


.^^ u 

V >= 















.-i' 






<> 



.<^' 



,0' 



% 






^ 









^ ' - - s ' 



o V 



.-^'^ 















-1 o 




°o 






\ 



- . . . A" <}> , . .. 

:,: -^^^ 1: "^^-^^ 

a> 'to -r 






•^^ 









5f 






y 




•=>o 









\^' 

^V-^ 






< o 






\ "V,^^ 
1 v"^* 

"i'^^ 












A 






•I o 



. ., /.:^^'^ ..^.v^:^:v% z^Vy;^-'^^ ^.'^.-^.•^'■-■^ 













> v 












•<^. '*■••* 









■y 






■^^ 

% 






■v./ 



•j» , ..... 















O 5 • • , 



A 









'^^ 















,c 






.0' 






■^ 
^ 



%''-° A* 






^'- "^t, A^' 



■v .-^' 



V. .<■ 






-^-o^^ 



> 4 












V 




//^^v^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL, GENEAUHilCAL 



AND 



DESCRIPTIVE 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



STATE OF NEW JERSEY. 



Edited by WILLIAM M. BROWN 

OF THE NEW JERSEY BAR. 



CONTAINING PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF MANY WELL-KNOWN SUCCESSKl'l, 
MEN OF PAST AND PRESENT. 



TOGETHER WITH A CONCISE AM) AUTHENTIC HISTORY OV THE STATE BY 

FRANCIS BAZLEY LEE. 



PUBLISHED BY 
NEW JERSEY HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY. 

1900. 



128:^4 



Ydrt 



1 1^0 COPIES Receded 
JUN 30 1900 1 

CopyrigM f't'y I 

stco«n COPY. \ 

ORDER DIVISION 




64489 



Copyight 1900. 



EDITOR'S PRFEACE. 



I would be unjust to myself ami the patrons of this work if I did not ac- 
knowledge with feelings of the most profi)imd gratitude the cordial aid ex- 
tended to me in this undertaking by the citizens of the State of New Jersey. 
They have extended the fullest encouragt-nient throughout the period devoted 
to the work and have assisted materially by furnishing the necessary data which 
enabled me to elaborate and perfect the "Biographical, Genealogical and Descrip- 
tive History of New Jersey." Important and valuable assistance and infor- 
mation have been received from prominent citizens of the State, many of whom 
are herein mentioned, and to whom particular recognition is due. 

The scope and method of this history is best understood by its table of 
contents and is sufficient to demonstrate the broad taste and judiciousness of 
selection on the part of the Editor. Without the aid and valuable assistance 
of the representative citizens of New Jersey it would have been impossible to 
present this history in the satisfactory shape it now assumes. The several 
chapters by that well known writer, Francis Bazley Lee, are to a large extent 
novel. His treatment of the subject may be taken as the best comprehensive 
expression of existing knowledge, put together with that authority which comes 
from special study. 

To the jiublishers of this history, the Editor, on behalf of himself and his 
collaborators must gratefully pay the meed, thrice deserved, of most hearty 
and efficient co-operation with him and them throughout the undertaking. To 
the subscribers of the work, who, by conseiuing to take it unseen, on the 
Editor's own recommendation and the strength of his and the publisher's repu- 
tation, who have secured its successful completion, the Editor renders his most 
grateful thanks, with the earnest hope that nothing in this volume and noth- 
ing omitted from it will cause them to regret their confidence and liberality. 

WILLIAM .\I. T!R( )WM. 



INDEX-HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY 

By FRANCIS BAZLEY LEE. 



In this presentation of the history of the colony and State of New Jersey, no 
attempt has been made to pive in chronological detail, a series of facts more or 
less related. Such treatment of the subject would result, practically, in a repro- 
duction of the contents of a large number of works of reference, most of which 
are lodged in public libraries, and are readily accessible to those who may wish 
to consult their contents. 

The desire has been to follow the main streams of political, religious and 
economic development of New Jersey, showing social causes and effects, how- 
ever briefly or imperfectly stated, recognizing in details and dates, accessories 
in aiding the elucidation of certain problems. 

If the reader shall secure a somewhat newer view of colonial and state life, 
however suggestive, the author's aim will have been satisfied. 



CHAPTER I. 

Page. 
The Lenni-Lenape ' 

CHAPTER II. 
The Dutch and the Swedes 5 

CHAPTER III 
The Coming of the English 9 

CHAPTER IV. 
In the Days of the "Union" '3 

CHAPTER V. 
Colonial Politics '7 

CHAPTER VI. 
Economic Conditions in Colonial Life ^^ 

CHAPTER \TI. 
The Times that Tried Men's Souls -^z 



vi INDEX— HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Page. 
CHAPTER VIII. 

Military Movements in New Jersey 3^ 

CHAPTER IX. 

New Jersey and the Confederation 3^ 

CHAPTER X. 

The Federal Constitution 4i 

CHAPTER XI. 

The Rise of Democracy 44 

CHAPTER XII. 

The Second War With England 48 

CHAPTER XIII. 

The Growth of Methods of Transportation 52 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Early Manufactures 58 

CHAPTER XV. 
Old and New Religious Faiths 62 

CHAPTER XVI. 
The Period of Political Unrest 66 

CHAPTER XVII. 
The Period of Social Unrest 72 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
Transportation and Manufactures 78 

CHAPTER XIX. 
The Constitution of 1844 82 

CHAPTER XX. 
The Impending Conflict 86 

CHAPTER XXI. 
The Year i860 02 



IXDI-.X — HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. vii 

Page. 

CH.XPTER XXII. 

Xew Jersey and the Civil War 96 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

The Years of Inflation 100 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

In This Day and Generation 105 

CHAPTER XX\. 

From Sandy Hook to Cape May 107 

CHAPTER XX\T. 
Educational Activities 1 1 1 

CHAPTER XX\ II. 
The Great Seal and a Little War 119 



BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX. 



Page. 

Adams, Orange H 436 

Alexander, James H 343 

Allen, Joseph W. (Col) 408 

Allen, William F 408 

Ailing, Edward F 394 

Babcock, George H 345 

Bacheller, J. Henry 374 

Badgley, Alfred S 416 

Baker, Frank E. (M. D.) 214 

Baldwin, Warren S 462 

Baldwin, William A 464 

Baldwin, Albert 438 

Ball, James T 411 

Banta, William S 277 

Barnet, James G 191 

■ Barbour, William 168 

Bassett, Carrol P 379 

Bedle, Joseph D 243 

Bell, Edward T 497 

Benjamin. Dowling, (M. D.) 444 

Besson, Samuel A 254 

Besson. John C 255 

Black, Edward S 348 

Blair, John Insley 132 

Blair, John A 135 

Blanchard, Noah F 184 

Bradshaw, Albert M 163 

Breeden, Charles E 368 

Breidt, Peter 317 

Brown, Albert D 392 

Bryan, William H. B 215 

Burgess, Edward G 267 

Burnham, Frederick G 253 

Cahill, John F 499 

Cannon, Charles K 206 

Carhuff, Elles R 396 

Carter, Oliver S 399 

Childs, Samuel S 419 

Childs, William, Sr 417 



BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX. xi 

Page. 

Lvnc, Lewis F. (Capt.") 477 

Lyon. John H 493 

Lyons. Lewis J 483 

Magie. William J 322 

Mandevillo, Henn- A. (M. D.) 186 

Manners, -Abraham 473 

JVIanners, David S 284 

Manners, Edwin (M. A., LL. B.) 285 

Matthews, Ambrose M. (Capt.) 361 

McCarter, Tliomas N 333 

McCurdy, J. Charlton 500 

IMcDoiiough. I'Vancis M 379 

McGee. Flavel 1 45 

McCiill, .Alexander T 32 1 

Merriani, Henn,- \V 35'; 

Meyer, Ernest L 326 

Meyer, Louis 490 

JVIiller, John A 273 

Miller, Lebbeus B 366 

Munn, .Albert C 315 

Negley. James S 228 

Nishwitz, Frederick 226 

•Oakes, David 236 

Oliver, David W 274 

Oram. Robert F 182 

•Osborne, Louis S 1 8i) 

I 'arki.'r. Cortlandt 506 

Parker. James 504 

Parmlev. Wheelock H. (D. D.) 468 

Peddie. Thomas B I7' 

Penninpton. .*^amuel H 190 

T'eojiles. William H 47^ 

Phelps. William Walter 27,i 

Pierson, William, Jr. (M. D.) 33>* 

Polhemus. John H ■24" 

Potter. Hcnrv A 4^5 

Potter. William E. (Col.) 306 

Price. Edward L .28-' 

Pyne. M. Ta\lor -73 

•Quackenbush. John 49-2 

Queen. John \V 400 

•Quimby. Isaac \. (M. D.) -'.Si 



xii BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX. 

Page. 

Radel, Edward H 300 

Radel, John 300 

Reed, Charles A 365 

Revere, Paul 440 

Richards, George 309 

Ringle, Jacob 239 

Roberts, Jonathan W 312 

Rogers, Maurice A 385 

Rogers, Peter F 287 

Romaine, Isaac 175 

Ross, Henrv C 488 

Rudd, Robert S 308 

Runkle, Harr>' G 423 

Russert, John W 407 

Salmon, Joshua S 331 

Sauvage, Tonzo L 1 73 

Semple, John L 238 

Seitz, Carl F 323^ 

Seitz, Julius E 325 

Simonson, Henry D 450 

Sinclair, Angus 343 

Smith, Abel 1 355 

Smith, Albridge C 372 

Smith, George G 207 

Smith, Irving 384 

Smith, Oliver-Drake 333 

Squire, George A 424 

Stoddard, Elijah VV. (D. D.) 161 

Stone, Henry M 492 

Swift, Wellington 267 

Taylor, Thomas J 403 

Thurston, Charles B 288 

Toflfey, John J 357 

Torrey, Herbert G 208 

Tracy, J. Evarts 314 

Trusdell, John G 209 

Tyler, Mason W. (Col.) 419 

Utter, Frederick M 440 

Van Horn, Amos H 451 

Van Horn, James 301 

Vreeland, John B 219 

Voorhees, Willard P 236 



BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX. xiii 

Page. 

W'amKT, Charles K. (.M. U.) 217 

W'alkiT, Herniaii 415 

W'allis. .\le.\anilcr Hamilton 210 

W'allis. Hamilton 212 

Walton. Edward A 395 

Ward, Josejih B 250 

Ward. William R 248 

Washburn, Richard C 286 

Watkins, Samuel C. G. (D. D. S.) 404 

Webb. James A 286 

Weeks, William R 169 

Wentworth. Ered W 401 

Weston, Edward 2(jo 

White, Henry S 438 

Whitaker, John .\ 1 77 

Wigger, Winand M. ( Rt. Rev. D. D.) 1 74 

Wilev. Charles R. (M. D.) *. 45(J 

Wilson, William R A^) 

Wood. Charles E 449 

Yates. Henry J. 180 

Young. Edward E. C 3-^ 



INDEX-ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Adanii, Orange H Facing 437 

Alexander, James H Page 344 

Allen, Joseph W Facing 409 

Allen, William F " 408 

Babcock, George H " 345 

Badgley, Alfred S Page 416 

Baker. Frank E " 215 

Baldwin, Albert " 439 

Ball, James T " 412 

Banta, William S Facing 277 

Barnet, James G " 191 

Barbour, William " 168 

Bedle, Joseph D " 243 

Bell, Edward T " 497 

Benjamin, Dowling " /|^/| 

Besson, John C Page 256 

Besson, Samuel A " 255 

Black, Edward S Facing 348 

Tllair. John Insley " 132 - 

Blair, John A " 135 • 

P.lanchard, Noah F " 184 

Bradshaw, Albert M " 163 

ISreeden. Charles E " 369 

[>reidt, Peter " 317 

Ltrown, Albert D " 392 

Bryan, William H. B Page 216 

Burnham, Frederick G Facing 253 

Cannon, Charles K " 206 

Carhufif, Elles R Page 397 

Carter, (31iver S Facing 399 

Childs Family (Homestead) Page 418 

Childs, Samuel S : Facing 419 

Childs, William, Sr " 417 

Childs, William, Jr " 418 

Christie, Cornelius " 388 

Clark, Joseph '■ 436 

Cleveland, Grover " 195 

Coles, Abraham Frontispiece 

Coles, J. Ackerman Facing 129 



INDEX— ILLUSTRATIONS. xv 

Colyer, Josepn Facing 4 1 3. 

Coult, Joseph Page 502 

Cox. Rowland Facing 342 

Crabb, William " 435 

Crosby, Henry B " 426 

Dallas. .-Mexander " 496- 

Daly. William D " 257 

Dane. John. Jr " 151 

Dane, John. Jr., (Residence Hollywood. A Glimpse of the house from 

the .South Lawn Facing 1 52 

Dane. John, Jr., (Residence, Hollywood. The P'ortecochere and Main 

Entrance) Facing 1 52 

Dane, John Jr.. (Residence, Hollywood. North and East Lawns from 

the Piazza of the House) Facing 1 52 

Davis, Hiram W " 337 

Davis, William J " 336 

Deniarest, Elmer W Page 430 

Demarest, Nicholas J " 422 

Depue, David .\ Facing 165 

DeWitt, C. Lincoln " 433 

Dickson, Henry " 339- 

Dodd, .^nizi "" 1 53 

Drake, J. Madison Page 387 

Dryden, John F Facing 197 

Dunn, John T " 176 

Enders. William B " 187 

Endicott, .\llen B " 320 

- English, Nicholas C. J " 'S^ 

Erwin, James S " 377 

Essex County Hospital for the Insane Page 263 

Force, William M Page 487 

Fowler, Charles N Facing 148 

Frcy, Albert " 370 

Frothingham. Howard P 200 

Fuller, Charles W " 480 

Gile, Francis A "' 202 

Goodsped, William B " '59 

Hallock, Josejih A Facing 482 

Hawkesworth, Robert W " 49' 

Hav, James R Page 205 

Headlev, Albert O Facing y)0 

Headley. William O " .^80 

Headlev & Farmer Company (Works) Page 391 



xvi INDEX— ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Heald, Daniel A Facing 353 

Heinisch, Henry C " 495 

Hinckley, Livingston S " 259 

Illingworth. John " 318 

Indian Group " 130 

Ishani. H. Heyward Page 266 

Jenkinson, George B Facing 246 

Jobs. Eugene Page 281 

Jones, J. W'yman Facing 475 

Joy. Edmund L '" 137 

Kehoe. John F Facing 368 

Kidder. Camilus G '" ;^~;i, 

Kinney, Thomas T " 224 

Kinney. William B " 220 

Kip. Ira A.. Jr " 465 

Kirkpatrick. Andrew, (Late Chief Justice) " 140 

Kirkpatrick, Andrew, (Judge L'. S. Dist. Court) " 142 

Kirkpatrick, J. Bayard " 1 43 

Lane, Isaac Facing 242 

Lane, William " 242 

Lembeck, Henry " 303 

Lembeck. Henry (Residence) Page 305 

Leonard, Frederick W Facing 278 

Leverich, John T " 474 

Lockward, Lewis G " 242 

Lockwood, Charles N Page 467 

Lyne, Lewis F Facing 477 

Lyons, Lewis J " 483 

Mandeville, Henr> A '" 186 

Manners, Abraham " 473 

Manners, Edwin " 285 

Matthews, Ambrose M " 361 

McCarter, Thomas N " 333 

McDonough, Francis M Page 380 

McGee, Flavel Facing 145 

Merriam, Henr\- W " 359 

Meyer, Ernest L Page 2,2^ 

Meyer, Louis Facing 490 

Miller, Lebbeus B Page 367 

Munn, Albert C ; " 316 

Neglcy , James S Facing 228 

Nishwitz, Frederick " 226 



l.\lJl-:.\ — ILl.rSTKA IK ).\S. xvii 

( )akis. 1 )avi<l I'acinjj; 236 

( )livtM-. 1 )avi(l W ■• 274 

( )raiii. Rohort !•" " 182 

tjsbornc, Louis S I 'age 189 

Tarkir. C'ortlaiidt " 506 

1 'arki. r. Jaims " 505 

I'cnnington, Samuel 11 I-acing ujo 

Potter, Henry A I'age 483 

Potter. William K I'acinp 306 

Price. Edward I " 282 

Queen. John W Page 401 

Quiml)\ . Isaac .\' l'"acintj 231 

Radel. Edw ard Pacing 300 

Radel. John " 301 

Reed, Charles A " .^63 

Revere, Paul " 44 ' 

Richards, George " 30i» 

Rogers, Maurice A "" 385 

Romaine, Isaac " 175 

Ross. Henrv C " 488 

Ru.ld, Rol)ert .'^ " 308 

Russert. John W " 407 

-Salmi n. Joshua S l-'acing t,i,i 

Sauvage. Tonzo " 1 ".^ 

Seitz. Carl I" Page 324 

Seitz. Julius E " 32.S 

.Semiile. John I I'acing 238 

Simonson, 1 lenrv 1 ) Pagi" 4.=i' 

Sinclair. Ani.'us I'acing 343 

Sm'th, AIkI I Page 336 

Smith, Alhridge C I'acing _^J2 

Smitli. ( leorge G " 207 

.Smith. Irving " 3'^4 

Stoddard. I'.lijah W i^'i 

."^iiuire. ( icorge .\ ' '•^fi^' . 4-.^ 

Taylor. Thomas J • I'acing 403 

Tlnirston. Charles P. ■. " 288 

Torrey. Herbert C. 208 

Tracy. J. Evarts ,^14 

L'tter. I'rederick .M. . I'acing 440 

\an Horn. Amos 11 I'acing 431 



xviii IXDEX— ILLl'STRATIOXS. 

\'an Horn. Amos H. (Residence' Facing 452 

\'an Horn, Amos H. (Store) " 433 

\'an Horn, Amos H. (Stock, Shipping and Salesroom Buildinf ) . . " 454 

\'an Horn, Amos H. (Xew Storehouse) " 455 

\"an Horn, Amos H. (Carpet Cleaning lluildinr) " 455 

\ an Horn, James "" 30- 

\'reeland, John 1! " 2iy 

\\'agner, Charles K Facing 2 1 7 

\\'allis, Alexander Hamilton Page 21 1 

Wallis, Hamilton " 213 

Ward, Joseph I! " 250 

Ward, William R " 249 

Watkins, Samuel C. C Facing 404 

Webb, James A " 286 

Weeks, William R " i6g 

Wentworth, Fred W " 402 

Weston, Edward ". " 290 

Whitaker, John A " 1 77 

White, Henry S " 458 

Wilev, Charles R " 456 

Wilson. William R '• 489 

Yates, Henry J Facing 180 

Young. Edward F. C " 328 




CHAPTER I. 

THE LENNI-LENAPE. 

O one field of inqiiiry. eitlitr in the history of New Jersey or of any- 
other Slate, has been more carefully investigated, with less tangi- 
ble results, than that of the origin of the Indian. An examination 
of several hypotheses, advanced during the past three centuries, 
still leaves us in the realm of conjecture. Whether one turns to 
Boudinot's final effort to identify the Indian with the Lost Tribes of Israel, or to 
Haeckel's view that "Lemuria," the sunken continent of the Indian Ocean was 
their original home, or to Donnelly's assumption that the Red Man sprang from 
Atlantean source, or with Ilrinton agree that the Indian was wholly indigenous 
we struggle only with theories. 

Lacking data ujxin this phase of the question, one fact, however, stands 
clear. It is that, when the Swedes and Hollanders, at the opening of the 17th 
century, projected their settlements upon the Delaware and the Hudson, they 
found upon the banks of those rivers, and upon some of the streams tributary 
thereto, an independent nation of the great .Algonkin family, a nation known 
along the .\tlantic sea-board as the Lenni-Lenape. claiming like most nomadic 
and partly savage tribes, an origin dating from the highest anti<iuity. In- 
deed the translation of the name. Lenni-Lenape. means "Our .Men." or the 
"Original People." Though small in numbers, their total strength within 
the present limits of the State of Xew Jersey, ix-ing about 3.000. the Lenni- 
Lenape. or Delawares. were destined to play a somewhat important i)art in the 
drama of colonial lif.-. 

Not having a distinctive literature, and unable to witlistand the civilizing 
forces, which came from the east, the Lenni-Lenape has left no ])ermanent rec- 
ord of his physical appearance, modes of life, or his social and religious concepts. 
Our knowledge of the Indian is thus mainly ilerived from contemporaneous 
European and colonial authorities, or from the traditions yet current among 
his descendants, who are wards of tiie nation ui)on the i'lderal reservation>. 

In the scholarly monograph. "The Indians of .Vew Jersey." by William 
Nelson, of- I'aterson. a tlood of light is thrown upon the matter. I'rom the 
mass of data there accumulated, one may generalize sufficiently to form a rap- 
idly passing picture of the Lenni-Lenape. Strijiped of sentimentality and ro- 



2 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

mance, the Indian of New Jersey appears in history as a hunter, \vith some 
rudimentary knowledge of agriculture, shifting his wigwam from one stream- 
bank to another, fearful of the elements, speaking a language of but few words, 
and by signs expressing his ideas, untutored and unlearned, less cruel than 
his northern neighbors, yet easily aroused to deeds of violence; a partial sav- 
age who had nevertheless certain qualities which won for him the respect of the 
better class of settlers. 

In personal appearance the Lenni-Lenapes were tall, well formed, with 
copper colored skin, high cheek bones, black haired, and with strong white 
teeth — characteristics common to most of the Algonkin family. They annoint- 
ed and painted their bodies, using both mineral and vegetable dyes. As a rule the 
women possessed no beauty, the young girls being sometimes statuesque, but 
owing to youthful marriages and manual labor, soon became haggard and worn. 

In their domestic life, the man was more gentle in his treatment of the 
v^'oman than was usual among other Indians. While marriage, or rather a 
ceremony joining a male and female, was recognized, it was by no means bind- 
ing, and the relationship was changed whenever convenience might require. 
Polygamy was permitted but was not generally practiced. Children were 
kindly cared for and abandonment of the aged was not permitted by tribal cus- 
tom. 

But it was in the exercise of an abounding hospitality that the Lenni-Le- 
nape excelled. Whether among themselves, or toward the necessitous settler, 
the flap of the wigwam was ever turned outward. This redeeming quality 
was spontaneous, and called forth the loudest praise from Penn and the other 
emigrants of the Society of Friends. While rush or grass and deer skin formed 
the only bed, and their food was coarse, the articles being cooked in a com- 
mon pot, it was oflfered in welcome. Many of the old writers mention the dig- 
nity and grace of manner which characterized their forest-born hosts, and the 
freedom from all selfish motives which animated their relations toward their 
guests. 

In their religious concepts, it ma}- be asserted as a general proposition 
that the Lenni-Lenape strove rather to propitiate evil spirits than to adore the 
good. They had a somewhat hazy recognition of a great all ruling power, 
were undoubtedly light-worshipers, and stood in a wholesome awe of death, 
which, however, they met fearlessly. They buried their dead with elaborate 
ceremonies, the women wailing and weeping, as among nearly all primitive peo- 
ple, but with the idea that the silent warrior had gone to a just reward, which 
lay to the South-land along the path of the Milky Way. 

Allusion has been made to the nomadic character of the Lenni-Lenape. 
He was indeed a creature of impulses, moved mainly by considerations of hun- 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 3 

ger and shelter. There is ahumlant evidence that there was Httle perman- 
ency to his village sites, indeed the locations of hut few are known, the most 
prominent being Oneanickon. near Colimibus. iUiriington county. As there 
was no recognition among them of the idea of personal ownership of real pros- 
perity, each Indian located his wigwam where he thought best. This habi- 
tation was rudely constructed of the skins of wild beasts, or of young trees 
bent to a common center and their boughs interlaced. Sometimes he rose to 
the dignity of a wattled hut. or fashioned a cave in the side of a rise of ground. 
Here he cultivated maize, frolii which his squaw made "pone" or "samp," 
or with wild beans concocted "succotash." Herbs, nuts and berries, and the 
sticculent roots with maize, composed the vegetable part of his diet, while the 
beasts of the forest fell before his stone-tipped hickory arrow, to be eaten half- 
raw, or dried for winter food. The use of intoxicating lirjuor was unknown, 
but to the charms of rum. metheglin. heavy beer, and sjjirits. the Indian, upon 
the arri\-al of the European emigrants, became a willing victim. Tobacco was 
his only stimulant in earlier times. 

In the arts, the Lenni-Lenape were skilled in the tanning of hides, in 
fashioning garments from the skins of all animals, in net making, in elementary 
weaving, and particularly in fashioning tools and various ini])lements from 
bone and stone. "Wampum." used as a medium of exchange and. in belts, 
as pledges of good faith in treaties, they fashioned from the shells of clams. 
Bits of native copper from the Raritan valley, semi-precious stones from the 
liills of Sussex, mica and bright colored pieces of quartz, were strung together 
or worn separately, as charms, amulets or ornaments. Their pottery was 
sim-drie<l and marked with crude but conventional designs. With d\es. they 
stained re])resentations of animals, chiefs and famous men upon their garments. 

According to the old writers the Lenni-Lenape were divided into three sub- 
tribes, generallv known as the Minsi (mountaineers) whose totem was the wolf; 
the Unami (peo|)le down the riven who dwelt south of the Minsi. in the terri- 
tory from the Lehigh to the Kancocas and whose totem was the tortoise and 
the I'nalachtigo. (ocean people) whose totem was the turkey. Of these the 
Unami were leaders in governmental affairs, of which sub-tribe, th.- celebrated 
Tamanend arose, wltosc name was adopted by the early Tanmiany Societies of 
Philadelphia. Xew York and elsewhere. Teedyescung. the orator and warrior 
statesman, was of the I'nami sub-tribe. 

The Indian, owing to his jihysical and mental constitution, was ill-tittcd 
to conform to the new standards erected by the settlers. While th- Lenni- 
Lenape and the colonist dwelt together in far greater amity than in the other 
colonies, there was nevertheless a mutual distrust, which neither the efforts of 
the r.ospel ministry, nor the assurances of the governmental jiowers. couUl 



4 HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

displace. Both the Red ^lan and the White ?klan cried "Peace," but there 
was no peace. Xo armed bands of Leiini-Lenape burned the settlers' cottages 
or murdered the women, nevertheless the social natures of both were at war. 
True the saintly David Brainerd organized his missions at Crosswicks and 
Cranbury, the Society of Friends in West Jersey formed the "New Jer- 
sey Association for Helping the Indians," and the Red ^Nlan's titles to land 
were e.xtinguished without the shedding of a drop of blood, yet there was the 
constant feeling in the Province that the Indian must soon seek another hunting 
ground. 

This feeling was by no means mollified when the news of the massacres on 
New Jersey's frontier brought additional terror to the settlers during the In- 
dian war of 1755. It was not until .\ugust. 1758, that a final disposition was 
made of the Indians, who were largely residents of the region south of the 
Raritan. In that year, mainly through the influence of Governor Bernard, the 
first Indian reservation ever established within the present limits of the United 
States was located at Brotherton, in the eastern-central part of the county of 
Burlington. Three thousand acres of land were purchased, and two hundred 
Indians were settled upon the tract where they remained imtil 1802. In that 
year the Lenni-Lenape removed to Xew Stockbridge, Xew York, joining the 
Mohegans. In 1822, the Xew Jersey Indians again removed to Green Bay, 
Wisconsin, and the relations of the people of the State and the Lenni-Lenape 
were finally closed in 1832, when the Legislature of Xew Jersey appropriated 
$2,000 to extinguish all the right, title and interest which tlie Indians had 
against the colony or State of Xew Jersey. 

There are at the present time in the State of Xew Jersey, no full blooded Lenni- 
Lenape descendants of the original stock. At Brotherton, some of the Indian 
women married white men and some of the Lenni-Lenape men took negresses 
to wife, and traces of this blood are yet to be found in West Jersey. In earlier 
days, the marriage of Indian girls to the young men of the settlement is a mat- 
ter of record, although such unions were not common. Although two cen- 
turies have elapsed since these marriages, the descendants still show unmis- 
takable traces of the Indian cast of features, as well as certain mental traits, 
too characteristic to be easily disguised. 

Aside from this slight influence the only evidence we have of the Indian 
occupation of Xew Jersey is in the preservation of many place names, such as 
Acquackanonck, .Assunpink, Communipaw. Crosswicks, Hackensack, Hoboken. 
Hohokus, Manumuskin, Manantico, Pamrapo, Passaic, Pompton, Rahway, Se- 
caucus, Succasunna and Watchung. These have passed into general nomen- 
clature and stand as living memorials of the enduring power of a half-forgotten 
people. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE DUTCH AND THE SWEDES. 




MONG superficial assertions is one that tlic history of the colonv and 
State of Xcw Jersey begins with tlie granting of tlie territory to 
James. Duke of York, by Charles II. King of England, and by the 
grantee further conveyed to lierkeley and Carteret. The date of 
these conveyances, 1664. marks the beginning of a permanent occupancy by set- 
tlers from the British Isles, but it by no means rci)resents the genesis of colonial 
growth. 

Underl) ing the vast structure ereried in the State of New Jersey by English- 
speaking men. lies a foundation, which, while not English, was of kindred Teu- 
tonic form — a foundation established by the Dutch and the Swedes. 

This earlier development of New Jersey, to be properly understood, must 
be examined with some degree of care, as, in its social and religious influences, 
it still afTects the life of the State. 

In point of ]irecedence the Dutch in Xew Jersey demand consideration. 
The adveiU of I leiny Hudson in i(xx;. and his explorations of the Delaware, 
or South Kiver and the Hudson, or Xorth River, gave to Holland a claim to all 
the country drained by these rivers. I'ailing to discover the Northwest Passage 
to India, for which he and other navigators so vainly sought. Hudson realized 
the advantages to he gained. b\- Holland, should trade with the Indians upon 
the Hudson and Delaware be actively prosecuted I'rging upon the DtUch, 
the necessity for jirompt action, Hudson's plea fell upon no deaf ears. l-"lushed 
with victory on land and sea. earnest in securing a share of the spoil in Xorth 
America, a coni]);ui\ of merchants securing concessions from the .States (ien- 
«ral of Holland, entered the field, erected posts at .\lbany and Xew York, and 
projected settlements in what are now Hudson and Bergen counties. It re- 
mained, however, for the Dutch West India Company, a corporation of vast 
power, to essay the extension of the sphere of Holland's influence in .\merica. 
Fur trading posts were established, not only on the upiier Hudson, but in 
New Jersey, as well along the .North River as at Fort Xassau on the Delaware, 
near Gloucester. To give still greater permanency to the enterprise, in i6.'0. 
farming was encouraged and what is known as 'patroonships" became a part 
of the policv of the West ln<lia e"omi>any. The princii)le mul. riving the plan 



6 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

was simple. The "patrooii" was granted a tract of land, if on a river, sixteen 
miles upon one bank or eight miles upon both banks, extending into the back 
countn,- as far "as the situation of the occupiers will permit." In consideration 
of such a grant of land, of which the patroon was judge as well as owner, he 
bound himself to transport to the Hudson or the Delaware, fifty settlers above 
the age of fifteen, provide each, at his own expense with a stocked farm, fur- 
nish a pastor and school master, and to charge a low rent. The emigrants 
bound themselves to cultivate the land for ten years, to use only Holland cloth, 
to have their grain ground at the patroon's mill, and to offer the sale of the 
grain, first, to the patroon. 

Patroonships were created both in New York and New Jersey. Large 
tracts of land were granted upon the west bank of the Hudson, at Cape May, and 
upon the shores of the Delaware, the latter projects, in the southwestern part 
of the State, being unsuccessful, owing to quarrels between the settlers and the 
Indians. 

The Dutch occupancy of the State of New Jersey from i6og to 1664, was 
of a somewhat tenative character. The tendency was to develop the upper val- 
ley of the Hudson, and to strengthen the post on Manhattan Island. As time 
went by the Dutch, noting the growth of the New England colonies, and of 
the settlements in A'irginia and Maryland, became conscious that, in holding 
New York, with the Hudson and Delaware, they separated the possessions of 
the English crown and were in a position to dictate their own terms to an in- 
truder. Such would, indeed, have been the case, had not the Dutch West In- 
dia Company been so unwieldy a corporation. Its very magnitude fostered 
jealousies, and its power, exercised through more or less obstinate and in- 
efficient governors, bore somewhat heavily upon the element in the commu- 
nity which is always seeking independent political action. 

But the Dutch had a rival in North .America other than England, a rival 
which entered unannounced, but which was a constant menace to the power 
of Holland. Sweden, under Gustavus Adolphus, rose in the early part of the 
17th century to a position of European pre-eminence. Like Holland, she early 
recognized the apparent advantages of a trans- Atlantic colony, and to secure a 
foothold, a company, somewhat similar to the Dutch West India Company, was 
organized in Sweden, To aid the project, the crown as well as the people ad- 
vanced funds and support, emigrants were secured, a small fleet equipped and 
in 1638, a settlement was made at Wilmington, upon the west bank of the 
Delaware. Disregarding the contentions of both the English and Dutch, the 
Swedes laid claim to the Delaware Bay, its tributary streams and to the river 
as far as the tide flows — the present site of Trenton. Like the Dutch on the 
Hudson, the colonists shifted from fur trading to farming, organized a local 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 7 

goveninu'iit. and made settlements upon the Xcw Jersey shore of tlie Delaware. 

While the number of colonists from Sweden was small, and the claim of 
the Swedes to the Delaware was based upon little more than mere occupation, 
there was from 1638 to 1655 constant friction between the Scandinavians and the 
Hollanders. After fruitless negotiations, the Dutch appealed to arms, and in 
the latter year, .sailed up the Delaware, captured the Swedish strongholds, re- 
duced their garrisons, and in one blow wiped New Sweden from the map. 
Thus for ten years the beaver of New Netherlands was the symbol of power upon 
the Delaware. 

Both Holland and Sweden, in their settlement of the Hudson and Dela- 
ware valleys, confined their sjiheres of inHuence to the narrow-est territorial lim- 
itations — so far as New Jersey was concerned. The Dutch threw out a line 
along the Hudson from Bayonne to the present State boundary, penetrated to a 
slight degree the valleys of the Hackensack, Passaic and Raritan, and occupied 
the north shore of Monmouth county. With the exception of the Pavonia 
grant and Bergen, there was no town of size, the effort at civilization being 
confined to clearing land for the isolated farms. Nor were the Swedes more 
active upon the Delaw are, as the traces of a few farms from Salem to Burlington 
indicate. The rest of the State was left to the undisturbed possession of the 
Lenni-Lenape. 

To sum up tlie question of the occujiancy 01 New Jersey by tlie Dutch and 
Swedes, the fact remains undisputed that, while vast claims were made by 
both nations, neither regarded their settlements, in the State, as anything more 
than mere outlying dependencies. The Dutch interests were centered in New 
York and .Albany, the Swedish, in Wilmington and Tinicum Island, while 
the New Jersey farmers were left to their own devices and often to their own 
protection. 

Underlying all assertions made that both the Dutch and Swedes sought 
a religious asylum in the New \\'orld, is the ever-recurring fact that the two na- 
tions were moved by a common impulse — that of territorial acquisition in the 
partition of a new continent and the economic advantages derivable therefrom. 
Indeed, both the Hollanders and Swedes, at home, enjoyed a large degree of 
religious freedom, and while both transplanted to .America a spirit of toleration, 
the contention that they came to America solely to seek such an advantage, falls 
to the ground. 

In certain characteristics the emigrants of both nations had much in com- 
mon. Not only did they tolerate freedom of action in religious matters, hut 
both advocated the erection of schools. While the decline of the power of the 
Swedish crown soon left the colony to fight its own battles, there was fostered, 
especially among the clergy, a love of letirrs. Bnth were tngagcd in trade 



:8 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

with the Indians, both eiiconraged agriculture, and both were slave owners. 
Yet neither the Dutch nor the Swedes had that spirit of enterprise which so ani- 
mated the later English settlers. The Dutch were content to trade and to farm, 
unable to successful!}- cope with New England and Virginia, and only strong 
enough to absorb the weaker colony of New Sweden. The latter, practically 
abandoned its fate, sustained for a short period a negative capacity for defence, 
and then passed from the scene of colonial action. 

With the coming of the English, the political organization of the New 
Netherlands, was eliminated. Yet to the credit of the conquerors it must be 
said that but little change was made in the government, beyond modifications 
necessary to adapt local conditions to a general policy. The Dutch had adopted 
a similar plan with the Swedes in 1655, and just as the latter had merged their 
■existence into the former, so the Dutch gave themselves over to English rule. 
While, however, the government changed, there was no decided elimination of 
racial traits. Until the middle of the last century, the Swedish tongue was used 
upon the Delaware, both in the home and in the churches, while Swedish do- 
mestic customs have endured until this day. But still more persistent is the 
Dutch influence. Families have married and intermarried, their churches have 
been sustained, and have not been absorbed by other denominations, while 
the language of Holland is still spoken and written by a few of the descendants 
of the pioneers. 

Both the Dutch and Swedes have left a further impress. They have given 
to many modern philanthropic movements stability and conservatism, and have 
been foremost in the advancement of the cause of religion. \\'hile the descen- 
■ dants of neither have been controlling factors in political af¥airs, they have stood 
firm in the sustaining of the doctrine of protection of individual rights. Thus 
the basic stratum of Dutch and Swedish influence has given to New Jersey much 
of that distinctive conservatism, which has made the State conspicuous in the 
administration of its public affairs, and has stimulated that love of civil and 
religious liberty, so characteristic of communities, whose origin is traceable to 
nations whose breath of life comes from the North Sea. 



CHAPTER III. 

THE COMING OF THE ENGLISH. 




^IDE from the senii-fabulous cxpt'dition of Floyden, and the efforts 
made by New England settlers to locate upon the Delaware, the 
history of English occupation of New- Jersey begins with the con- 
quest of New Amsterdam in 1664. 

The position of the Dutch, holding both the valleys of the Hudson and the 
Delaware, was one which gave the English much concern. The long years of 
civil strife during the Protectorate of Cromwell and the open hostility of Europe 
toward England had so occupied the insular mind with domestic matters that 
the Dutch were suffered to remain practically undisturbed. But the accession 
of Charles IT i)laced the matter in a new light. \\"\\.h the return of the 
house of Stuart to power, there came a desire not only for colonial expansion, 
but a demand that the crown avenge itself for the insults which Holland, in 
the past, had offered England. Animated by a desire to present an unbroken 
line of colonies upon the eastern coast of North America from the Carolinas 
to Massachusetts Bay, an expedition against New Amsterdam was fitted out, 
and after a brief voyage, a short resistance, and a capitulation in the summer of 
1664, the fort, the town and the boweries on Manhattan I.Mand became subject 
to the English crown, to rise again as tlie struggling village of New York. 

In the meantime. Charles 11 had anticipated the climax acconijjlished by 
force of arms, and in his kingly disregard for all previous grants, conveyed to 
his brother James. Duke of York, a large tract of territory, embracing among 
other States or portions of States, what is now New Jersey. This grant made 
on the 1 2th of March, 1664, was followed by a conveyance of ])ractically what 
JS now the State of New Jer.sey, to two intluential friends of the Stuarts, John, 
Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, upon the 24th of June, i6<S4 

Henceforth New Jersey is to be considered a dependency of tiie English 
crown. 

Such were the services of Carteret and Berkeley u> the House of Stuart in 
the hour of its distress, and such was their influence at court, that their grant 
was by no means confined to ownership of the soil. With it passe<l the most 
ample governmetal powers, the crown reserving little more than a mere formal 
recognition of a home government. So it was that these two noblemen found 



lo HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

themselves owners of a vast tract of land, its river fronts sparselv occupied by 
Dutch and Swedes, and nomadic bands of Indians, with the proposition regard- 
ing colonization as yet unsolved. 

To make New Jersey productive, to secure returns from such a domain, re- 
quired judicious and speedy action. Settlers were the earliest requirement, 
men and women who were willing to go over-sea and begin life anew amid the 
hardships of an untried soil. There were in the British Isles, at the close of 
the Commonwealth, a large body of people who extended to Charles II little 
more than a half hearted welcome. Puritans and Independents in England, 
and descendants of the old Covenanters in Scotland, with many members of 
the rapidly growing sect of Quakers represented the better element. Added 
to this were soldiers of fortune, who had possibly fought with Cavaliers and 
Round Heads, men of no religious convictions, but who were willing to seek a 
new home, younger sons of the country gentry with no hope of patrimony, and 
a scattering representation from the submerged class of London and the smaller 
cities. It was from these social factors that Berkeley and Carteret must seek 
their settlers. With a wisdom far beyond their day, the owners of New Jer- 
sey ofifered an inducement to emigration which was at once attractive and bene- 
ficial.. Throwing aside the chimerical governmental schemes, w-hich had come 
so near wrecking certain of the older colonies, Berkeley and Carteret promul- 
gated a well-drawn declaration of organic law which they designed should 
govern the new dependency. Reserving to themselves only a modicum of the 
power conferred upon them by the crown, the Proprietors provided for an .\s- 
sembly to be chosen by the people, delegated to the settlers the selection of 
minor officials, authorized the erection of courts and in other ways guaranteed 
those rights for for which the masses had been fighting since the days of Runny- 
mead. 

The efifect of the publication of this liberal frame of government was in- 
stantaneous. Not only were settlers attracted, particularly from England and 
Scotland, but even from New England and Long Island. Settlements along 
the north shore of IMonmouth county and at Elizabethtown and Newark were 
immediately begun, and much was expected from the province. But evil days 
were in store for New- Jersey. The very elements which sought political free- 
dom in the colony, now urged a still greater e.xtension of their rights, became 
dissatisfied with the rents payable to the owners, viewed the Proprietor's Coun- 
cil with suspicion and actually went so far as to plan an open revolt. 

Internal disturbances and the personal relationships of Carteret and Ber- 
keley led to a readjustment of their interests in 1676, when by mutual agree- 
ment they provided for a division of the colony. A line was run from Little 



mSTokV (II- XKW JERSEY. ir 

Egg Harbor to the Delaware Water Gap. Berkeley received West Jersey as 
his moiety, while Carteret obtained East Jersey as his share. 

The creation of these new interests marked a new development in the his- 
tory of the colony. There arose two independent and separate governments, 
with interests which tended to diverge from the hour the Proprietors parted. 
Berkeley almost immediately disposed of his share to a company of Quakers 
of whom the ruling s]iirit was William I'enn. Carteret soon died leaving a 
widow, who also sold her rights to an association, composed mainly of men of 
Calvinistic tendencies, with an admixture of members of the Society of Friends. 
In their respective purchases, these organizations accjuired the same rights of 
property and government, as Carteret and Berkeley possessed. In these 
companies of purchasers of East and West Jersey, we find the beginnings of the 
Board of Proprietors of East Jersey, and the Board of Proprietors of \\'est Jer- 
sey, which, through all the changes and vicissitudes of over two centuries, have 
sustained an uninterrupted official existence. 

Until the year 1680 there was practically no effort made to develop the re- 
sources of the Delaware valley, l^ndcrthetwo Proprietors, thenortheastern portion 
of their domain had received support, and it was not until the .Society of Friends 
located their settlements at Salem, Gloucester and Burlington that the possibilities 
of the tide-water portion of West Jersey became known. If Carteret and Berkeley 
had established a liberal plan of government, that designed for Wesf Jersey, by 
William Penn and his associates, was even more so. It is doubtful if the world had 
yet seen as thoroughly a democratic document as the one which guaranteed 
to emigrants their freedom of action in all matters spiritual and most matters 
temporal. I'y way of illustration a jury of Indians and white men could be 
called to try an Indian, taxes were ec)uitably adjusted, the selection of most 
minor officers was left to the people, courts were established, free, at least in 
theory, from proprietary control, the distinctions among the executive, legis- 
lative and judicial departments were well recognized — all of which tended to at- 
tract settlers and to upbuild the Western province. In East Jersey, a like ten- 
dency was noticeable. This was due largely to the political sentiment of the 
community. The settlers of the Eastern portion of the State possessed a strong 
individuality, which was stimulated and fostered by certain local conditions, to 
which later reference will be made. In spite of the usual dangers and disasters 
incident to colonization, the two divisions were fairly prosperous. P.ut over 
both hung the shadow of a change in governmental affairs. The Boards of 
Proprietors, with their conflicting interests, the complications incident to the 
sale of land, and the creation of minor holdings, internal jealousies, and publir 
distrust, found that the burden of ownership and government was too great. 
The deputy governors were involved in disputes, and the home government be- 



12 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

came dissatisfied. To promote the common welfare of the province, both 
boards surrendered to the crown the right of government, retaining their inter- 
ests in the soil, and in 1703 East and West Jersey united, became the royal 
province of New Jersey. 

The surrender was marked by no especial event of dramatic interest. In- 
■deed, the time had never been when the Proprietary boards were sufficiently 
able to fully cope with the questions of government, and it was more the law- 
abiding spirit of the people, than any merit, of the Proprietors, which saved 
the colony from interval disturbance. Even the action of James II, who at- 
tempted to nullify his grant to Berkeley and Cartaret by foisting his creature 
Andros upon the colonies, did not disturb the settlers half as much as the inef- 
ficiency of those who were so often in authority. Then in both divisions, there 
was the element found in all new communities, a lawless, shifting class, idle 
and dangerous, and only awaiting a leader, that he and they might shake the 
foundations of the social structure. To quell such an uprising, needed a much 
stronger government than existed in either of the Jerseys — a fact well recog- 
nized by the crown. 

It must not be forgotten that while the government by the Proprietary 
boards had many weaknesses, these saine shortcomings were a source of strength 
to tlie people. Between the settlers and that momentous event of the age — 
the Revolution — lay a century of devel'ppment. Yet it was in the assembly 
bouses of Burlington and Amboy, that the great grandsires of future patriots 
learned the first lessons of self-government. In the peaceful revolution, when 
by the e.xercise of moral influence, they overthrew the Proprietary govern- 
ments, they prepared the way for that greater Revolution, when an appeal to 
arms was the last redress of an injured people. 




CHAPTER IV. 

IN THE DAYS OF THE UNION." 

IT 11 the change of government from the Proprietors directly to the 
crown, tliere came, at least, a partial relief to the inhabitants of 
Xew Jersey. So much of the uncertainties and disorders as grew 
out of the contlict of legislative authority, the (|uestionahIe juris- 
diction of courts, and the rights of the Proprietors to collect rents, were elim- 
inated. While the change did not finally dispose of some mooted questions, 
it was entirely acceptable to the mass of the people, who saw in the future a 
more stable governnient. There was, however, a small niiudrity wjio bitterly 
resented the new order of things — a minority composed of men who may well 
be classed as professional i)oliticians, and who saw their occujiations as place 
holders, gone. With them was that element in the cijnununity, who. caught by 
the cry that their rights would be lost, under the direct rule of the crown, were 
ready to organize for opposition. The time was critical, but the good sense of 
the people saved the day. 

The ijolicy of nepotism, however, came near wrecking all the good effects 
of the change. Queen Anne selected for governor of Xew Jersey and New- 
York her kinsman. Edward, Lord Cornbury, a profligate, unscrupulous noble- 
man, who immediately became unpopular. Froin the start, he obstinately re- 
fused to be guided by local conditions. Two measures which he advocated 
were, as a rule, disliked; the one his attempt to establish the Church ni Hngland 
in Xew Jersey, and create an .American bishoiiric in llurlingtoii. liie other. 
a constant effort to drag mone\ for himself and iiis friends from an unwilling 
.\ssembly. Hadthe Crown sent to Xew Jersey a governor possessing more worthy 
traits of character, it is likely that no seeds of discord would have been sown. 
The politicians and their followers took immediate advantage of the situation, 
stirred uj) a sjjirit of opposition to Cornbury. and even enlisted the su|)port of 
some of the warmest friends of the "Cnion," as the surrender was called. Corn- 
bury took legal action against some of the most prominent men of the iioinilar 
partv. tried to coerce the legislature, and after several years of bullying and 
quarrelling returne<l to England, leaving the colony in a fernient. 

It lav in the jxiwer of the tirst royal governor to correct abuses of the i)ast. 
strengthen the lovalty of the present, and lay broad plans for the future. But 



14 HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

Cornbury had no aspirations, beyond the gratification of his selfish hists. While 
engaged in attaining his own ends, he sacrificed the hopes of an empire and 
paved the way for a spirit of resistance, first directed toward the governors of 
the crown, and then naturally against the crown itself. 

The government of New Jersey from 1703 until 1776 differed by little from 
the other royal colonies. The governorship was usuallx- made the royal reward 
for some favor shown. The incimibent represented in his person, the might, 
dominion, majesty and power of his Sovereign. Around him was his Council, 
composed of Jerseymen, favorable to the administration, embracing men of in- 
fluence and wealtli. The Council and Governor selected the justices of the 
Supreme Court, the judges of the county court, Justices of the Peace, the 
Sheriffs and other minor county officers, to whom commissions were issued 
under the Great Seal of the Colony. The Governor was also Chancellor and 
commander-in-chief of the land and naval forces of the colony. 

The elective franchise was granted to the people, but was confined to their 
choice of representatives to sit in the General .Assembly. Propert)- qualifica- 
tions limited the number of voters as well as restrained the list of those who 
could sit in the lower house. 

Throughout the period practically embracing seventy-five years of the i8th 
century, certain conditions occur and reoccur with such frecjuencey as to have 
left a permanent impress upon State history. 

As a general assumption, subject to occasional modification, there was 
friction between the Governor and his Council upon one side and the House of 
Assembly upon the otlier. The Chief E.xecutive was usually a member of the 
Church of England, which, struggling for general recognition in the Colony, 
made head largely by reason of royal protection. The members of Council 
were of that denomination or of the Society of Friends, the two faiths usually 
holding an alliance, at least, defensive, against the lower house. \\'hile the 
Quakers were not disposed to actively enter the field of colonial politics for 
elective offices, their conservatism led the crown to select them as its allies, to 
hinder any popular movement. 

It was in the activities of general politics that the Calvinistic members of 
the Assembly were powerful. All through the long quarrels between the Gov- 
ernor and the Assembly, it was East Jerseymen who were most active in the de- 
fense of their rights. The Calvinist had fought long years before, his religious 
battles: it was now that he must carry on his political warfare. 

The questions that tended to disturb colonial politics were mainly of an 
economic character. The ever present agitation concerning a salary list, the 
refusal of the Assembly to grant monies for the Governors stipend; the demand 
for a fiat money, the issuance of such paper currency being first allowed by 



IIISTORN' ()1' .\i:w jHRSEY. 15 

the crown in 1709 as a war nuasuro, and later secured as a matter of right; and 
efforts made by the House to secure the granting of corporate powers in as- 
sisting the develo])ment of small industries, were among the most prominent. 

But underneath this outward and quite visible spirit of reform, which was 
but natural, there was an undercurrent of opposition to the policy of the crown. 
Many of the emigrants, who, earlier were homeless and friendless, had become 
tenants of the large land owners or had acquired small holdings, but not enough 
to entitle theiu to suffrage. L\ing as it did, between Xew York and Phila- 
delphia, both of which cities were growing in importance. New Jersey was 
crossed and recrossed by a drifting class of adventurers, men who siezed upon 
an outcry to disturb the ])ublic peace, held forth to ill-informed audiences in way- 
side taverns, or encouraged "redemptioners" and other short term slaves to run 
away from their masters. These elements and the small farmer urged on by the 
adventurers, were the first to protest against the limitations of the franchise, the 
severity of the criminal laws, the method of appointing judges and the general 
static conditions pre\alent in the colony. As early asc 1 7 10 there are traces of 
the sentiment "ta.xation without representation," in the expressions of opinion 
by members of the Assembly, while the unpublished records of the Supreme 
Court show several trials and convictions for treasonable utterances publically 
made by more than one imfortunate agitator. 

But while the spirit favoring a wider plan and scope of popular action grew 
slowly, the crown governed with a strong hand. It brought all elements into 
patriotic union during the French and Indian war: it drove the pirates from 
the vicinity of the Bay of Xew York and the Capes of the Delaware; it erected 
a general post office and gave Xew Jersey the charters of what are now Prince- 
ton University and Rutgers College. Ferries were authorized, roads con- 
structed and waste land reclaimed under commission or by acts approved in 
London. 

Xew Jersey was always outwardly loyal to' the home govermuent. The 
Dutch extended their settlements along the Raritan, until they met the Germans 
of the German \ alley, \ ot liotli were hearty in support of the government. 
There had also apjieared, early in the colonial period, a sniall body of l-"rench 
Kugenots on .Momnouth county, who paid but little attention to politics, and 
they were loyal. .\ew Jersey also received a i)art of that vast Scotch-Irish 
emigration which rolled over eastern Pennsylvania, and until the crucial time 
came, they gave the crown but little concern. 

Other rapidly passing events after the l-'rench and Indian war, with the 
slow l)ut healthy germination of the ideas underlying the minor circumstances 
which precipitated the Revolution, so affected nuich of the conservative element, 
that Xew Tersev threw her energies into the conmion cause 



i6 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

The Revolution was tlie triumph of colonial democracy. That the Colonies 
declared themselves free and independent was an incident of the struggle — an 
incident of such supreme importance that the act is taken to typify the war itself. 
The attitude first taken by the colonists was not so much a desire to sever their 
relations with the crown as to protest against ill-treatment and neglect, just as 
the Civil War was a protest against the extension of slavery, rather than against 
the institution. 

The irresistable forces of secret agitation, of protest and then of open revolt 
closed the chapter of colonial life. Human thought could then be no more 
stifled than it can be now. It simply took longer for the fruition of the idea. 
Men in New Jersey nor elsewhere, did not "rush to arms," the time was simply 
ripe when the flint locks were taken from the kitchen fire place to carry the mes- 
sages of death. 

The Revolution came as a natural sequence, the denier resort, to which the 
colonist turned when all other methods for relief had failed. 



1 


1 



CHAPTER V. 

COLONIAL POLITICS. 

T has long been a matter of general comment that aside from the- 
ancient political divisions of East and West Jersey, there are yet t\Vo. 
Jerseys strongly differentiated in the matter of social customs and 
the character of their economic advancement. In the retention of 
the terms East and West Jersey — or their c(|iiivali:nts. Xorth and South Jer- 
sey, we have a link that closely binds the present to the past. 

To understand these distinctive lines of development, and to trace the his- 
tory of modern types, it is necessary to understand somewhat of the character 
of the settlers. Beyond doubt, the dominant influence in Xew Jersey after 
1664, was English, but not English in the broad sense in which the word is 
used to-day. England during the early days of the Restoration had not yet 
become thoroughly nationalized cither in social or in political impulses. The old 
county sentiment was strong. Surrey was a long way from Yorkshire, and many 
a yeoman of the Midlands still spoke the speech, and tilled the soil in the same 
way as his ancestors had done. Indeed, except during the y^ars of Crom- 
wellian strife, thousands of men throughout the island never left their native 
hamlets from the day of their births until their deaths. London, to them. was. 
as far as .Manila would be to a resident of Xew York, and few of the country- 
folk beside the wealthy gentry, the lawyers and the men of affairs, ever knew 
about or cared for the pleasures or the pains of city life. 

The advent of Cromwell and the establishment of the Protectorate, was 
marked by a wave of religious enthusia which swept over k"nglai.<l and .*>cot- 
land. It was an age moreover of controversy, and of the establishment of new 
forms of religious belief. Calvinism which had gained such a hold in Scotland 
spread rapidly in England where it became modified into several phases. There 
arose, too. the Society of Friends under the leadership of (ieorgc Fox, the niem- 
bership ever widening in s])ite of persecution by Presbyterian, by Independents, 
or by the L'hurch of England. 

We have alreadv seen that the earliest emigrants to .\ew Jersey were 

mainly of the yeomanry, attracted by the advantages offered in a new land. lUit 

later the situation somewhat changetl. While those who he)pe<l to l)eneti. 

themselves by conunencing life anew, formed a large percentage of tlie t< "1 

2 



i8 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

emigration there was injected into the proljleni of numerous body of men and 
women, who found in the dissipations of the Stuart court, the excesses of the 
gentry and the general lack of religious feeling among the masses, sufficient 
excuse for leaving both England and Scotland and coming to America. And 
this body of men and women was composed of Calvinists and Quakers. 

In our day and generation, it is difficult for us to conceive of the spirit which 
animated the emigrants. It is easy enough to dismiss the subject by saying 
they came for an "asylum" or "to escape persecution." but this is not sufficient. 
There were other motives. Some were moved by an evangelical spirit, wish- 
ing to convert the Indian and to establish their faith in a land beyond the sea. 
Others came because they were digusted with political chicanery and open athe- 
ism, or at least agnosticism, others dimly saw that there might grow up power- 
ful dependencies of the crown in w hich a certain religious faith would be domin- 
ant, while a small number were moved by a restlessness, and gave religious 
persecutions as an excuse for leaving England. 

So it was that upon the division of 1676 and the organization of East and 
West Jersey, there came with the pioneers certain emigrants of strong religious 
feeling, men and women, whose meeting houses were no fanciful creations or 
architectural concepts, but were as much a part of their lives as their homes. 

The transfer of the interests of Berkeley and Carteret to the Boards of Pro- 
prietors and their business associates, is a proper point from which to note the 
divergences in the development of the Jerseys. Partly by chance and partly by 
reason of certain official relations, West Jersey passed into the hands of those 
who were leading the Quaker movement in England. Penn and his friends 
recognized the possibilities of the lower Delaware valley and prepared a policy 
of extension which soon afterward embraced the States of Pennsylvania and 
Delaware. East Jersey, upon the other side, was controlled by Calvinistic 
and particularly Presbyterian influences, as is shown by the composition of her 
Board of Proprietors. In East Jersey there was a small Quaker minority, but 
not sufficient to control the conduct of public affairs. The settlement of New- 
ark and the development of Elizabethtown, not to mention the towns of Mon- 
mouth, stand as memorials of the enterprise of men of Calvinistic view's, as 
Salem, Burlington and Trenton, trace their origin to the efforts of the members 
of the Society of Friends. 

Thus, properly, w-e may consider West Jersey as a colony in which the 
Quaker influence was dominant, while East Jersey was distinctively Calvinistic. 

The two faiths, as then taught and exemplified, had little in common. From 
what has come down to us of the dogma of two centuries ago, Calvinism was as 
intensely practical as Quakerism was spiritual. The one echoed the thunders 
from Sinai; the other repeated again and again the sermon on the Mount. 



HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 19 

While the Calviiiists cried aloud that there should be some who would for 
ever endure torment, cursed hy original sin. the Quakers bent in silent prayer, 
in the belief that no one, who repented wt)uld be lost. One kept the sacred 
ordinances: the other threw them all aside. The Calvinist too often preached 
the doctrine of lex-talionis. the Quaker, the doctrine of non-resistance. One 
had its paid ministry, with glebe and a highly developed organization of its con- 
gregations: the other had its "accepted ministers." who received no pay, and 
with the elders governed the Society. Among the Calvinists. there was a demo- 
cratic sentiment, naturally engendered i)y the virilit\ of the faith: among the 
Quakers a constant tendency toward conservatism, which ultimately tended to 
weaken the Society, but which was its earliest and greatest source of strength. 

But neither the religion of the Calvinist nor the Quaker was an outward 
garb. \\ ith all the fanaticism and ujilifting of a dogma, there was an intensity 
and earnestness about both that made their denominational fervor something 
more than a convenience and a mere outward show. .\t least. Calvinist and 
Quaker had one object in conunon. the stamping u])on the individual the full 
force of their religious teaching. This a])plied equally to his domestic or to his 
political affairs, in which latter phase both faiths tended to unite church and 
State. 

The geographical position of East and West Jersey, their geological for- 
mation and their climatic conditions are necessarily incidents worthy of con- 
sideration. The settlement of the Eastern province was naturally effected near 
the mouths of navigable streams, in the hope of abundant water supply for mills 
and transportation by shallops or other vessels. These streams, arising in the 
hill countrv or in the higher lands of Monmouth county emptied their waters 
into New York Bay. The new towns, cjuite in acconlaiice with the individualis- 
tic tendencies of the settlers, preserved their own local governments, but there 
was, nevertheless, a feeling of mutual interest. .\t the same time, as the more 
adventurous spirits pushed toward the mountains, they encountered long win- 
ters, a cold and rocky soil, retjuiring unremitting labor in its subduing, and 
bringing to the fore the best physical and mental efforts of whicii the emigrants 
were capable. But struggle as they might, it ere long became evident that 
East Jersey was not destined to become a distinctively agricultural community. 
To give the colony thorough vitality it was necessary that trade be developed 
and commerce encouraged. What more natural then that Berth .Xmboy 
should strive to rival New \'ork. and that the shijjs of ICngland and the West 
Indies seek cargoes froni the wharves of Elizabetiitown. .Newark and the smaller 
towns? 

In colonial times, the development of a community's conmiercial life de- 
pendetl u])on its tidal rivers, or ui)on its seaports. Hence it was that a com- 



20 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

mercial spirit was fostered in East Jersey, and through the centuries has come 
down highly vitalized, to the present. 

In West Jersey, the situation was different. Tlie vast stretches of interior 
pine and oak land, and the island beaches of the coast, confined the first settle- 
ments to Salem, Gloucester, Burlington and "Ye fifalles," or Trenton. In this 
territory of seventy miles in length, the towns grew slowly. Too far from the 
sea, to compete for foreign trade, with rivers flowing intO' the Delaware, slug- 
gish and shallow, the one means of support, agriculture, fell to the lot of the 
colonist. But West Jersey was most fertile and pleasant to look upon. The 
low and easily tilled plains which swept eastward and southward from the Dela- 
ware, the short winters and long, hot summers, the supply of timber and the 
abundance of game, made life less rigorous along the Delaw-are than it was on 
the banks of the rivers emptying into Xew York Bay. In West Jersey, the 
constant tendency was to develop along the lines at least natural resistance, to. 
use what was present, rather than create for the future, and to drift into a state 
of existence of which the motto was "laissez faire." 

There was developed in West Jersey, from the first, a land owning class^ 
composed mainly of those who had ready money or available credit. The pio- 
neer Quakers "took up" vast tracts of land. As the ownership of land was, 
at the time, an indication of wealth, the men of the largest acreages were given 
a prominence which naturally brought with it the best and most profitable of- 
fices. In other words a plantation-owning aristocracy was formed, which was 
perpetuated by a certain religious tenet. It was the rule of Friends to "marry 
in meeting," that is the union of a Ouaker and a Presbyterian or Episcopalean 
was not only dicountenanced but was absolutely forbidden, to the degree of so- 
cial ostracism. Thus it was that a wealthy member of the Society, having a 
daughter, sought to unite her in marriage to some worthy young man of another 
land-owning family, and join the two estates. The result was that thousands 
of acres came into the possession of comparativel}' few families, and a relation- 
ship established which resembled that found in the tide-water district of Mrginia. 
The further result was to stultify ambition. The men became wealthy farmers, and 
owners of small saw and grist mills, content to secure the luxuries of life from 
the Philadelphia merchants, and to use up at home the products of their farms. 

But in East Jersey there was a constant tendency toward separation of large 
tracts. Small lot owners, each acting for the support of his own family, threw 
activity into the life of the community. Slave owning, while recognized, was 
not so common east of the i>rovince line as west thereof, because the cost of 
keeping the negroes in the cold weather was much greater than along the Dela- 
ware, and furthermore, slavery was an natural incident to any plantation owning 
policy. 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 21 

With tlie towns widely separated as in West Jersey, the county system of 
gcvemiiK'nt became intensified. The four original counties of West Jersey, 
Burlington. Salem, Gloucester and Cape May were each powerful factors, as 
•counties, and jealously guarded their rights, liberties and privileges. In East 
Jersey, the towns became the controlling elements as in New England, traces 
of which influences, we find in State legislation to this day. 

The same characteristics which differentiated Massachusetts and Virginia, 
in the early i8oo's, one finds in East and \\'est Jersey. One was the outgrowth 
of an intense spirit animating the individual, and the creation of a community 
sentiment, the other the imconscious suppression of the individual, the develop- 
ment of an aristocracy and tlic distribution and difTusion of functions under a 
county system of government. 

In the crucible of Time both have been fused into a homogeneous mass, 
•with many faults to be corrected, yet both have united to give to modern State 
life certain qualities, which while essentially novel, are nevertheless powerful 
dn shaping thought and action tliroughbut New Jersey. 




CHAPTER VI. 

ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN COLONIAL LIFE. 

HE economic conditions of New Jersey, during the colonial period, 
while resembling those of the other cis-Atlantic dependencies of the 
crown, still possess certain characteristics which are distinctive. It 
has been noticed that the growth of West Jersey was mainly of an 
agricultural character, while that of East Jersey was to a large degree commer- 
cial. Yet, as a general proposition, it may be said that agriculture was the 
main stay of life in both divisions. 

Thus from the farm sprang the activities of the people of the colony. But 
the farm was not as we understand the term to-day. Land was made the basis 
of material wealth. The consolidation of estates in West Jersey threw upon the 
shoulders of the land owners a burden which some were incapable of bearing. 
The result was improper and expensive methods of cultivation, which left the 
realty impoverished and the plantation-owner hopelessly in debt. In East 
Jersey, owning to the growth of the commercial spirit this tendency was by no 
means so noticeable, nevertheless the same influence affected the well being of 
the people of the Eastern division. 

Average farm life in colonial New Jersey presented many handicaps of 
which the agriculturist of to-day has no knowledge. In the region south of the 
Raritan, the houses were built mainly of wood ,were well timbered but ill con- 
structed. More fortunate were the farmers of East and North Jersey who 
could use stone. But in both cases the residences lacked conveniences. All 
cooking was done over wood burned in the open fire-places, there were no stoves, 
no general system of heating, or drainage, no water pipes, no schemes for ven- 
tilation. Light was supplied by candles, the domestic duties performed by 
slaves or "redemptioners," assisted by the daughters of the farmer, and superin- 
tended by his wife. In the fields, all labor was performed by hand as machin- 
ery was entirely unknown. The hours of labor, for masters and men, were 
measured by the rising and setting of the sun, while in harvest, the gathering 
of crops was accomplished during moon-lit nights. The food for every one, 
masters and servants alike, was coarse and limited in variety. Many of the 
vegetables and fruits were either not raised or only found upon the tables of 
the rich. Salted meats, fish and meats — particularly pork — with fresh deer or 



HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 23 

bear, plenty of rye Iiread and milk, hut little Initter, beans, potatoes, turnips, 
carrots and cabbage were the staple articles of diet. As a luxury, some few 
families preserved apples and peaches in stone pots, otherwise fruits and vcfjeta- 
bles were enjoyed only "in season." 

.\s a relief from the monotony of such an existence, there were but few 
amusements. In all the colony there was not a theatre, while dancing and card 
playing were anathematized by both Quakers and Calvinists. Books were prac- 
tically unknown in many homes and newspapers had but little circulation. For 
the men. the one resort was the tavern, which was practically their club, where, 
as in their homes, there was a vast amount of drinking, much gambling, par- 
ticularly in the purchase of lottery tickets, and an occasional horse-race, when the 
uniformly bad conditions of the roads permitted. The women, in the few mo- 
ments they could spare from househould drugery, spun, embroidered, drank tea 
or small beer, and if the weather and highways were favorable, visited among 
their neighbors. 

In spite of the agricultural development, and its absorption of nnich of the 
activity of colonial life, there was a general recognition of the vast possibilities, 
which yet lay hidden in the State. Akin to agriculture, and yet to be accounted 
a distinctive pursuit, were those industries which were developed from the great 
wooded tracts of the central and southern part of the State. The forests of pine, 
oak and cedar furnished fuel for the local, as well as for the Philadeli)hia and 
New York markets. The deposits of bog-iron ore in old Monmouth, I'.urling- 
ton, old Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland counties, and the early establishment 
of bloomaries and forges, laid in tribute for fuel the thousands of acres of pine 
with which thev were surrounded. A glass works was also established in Salem 
county. J'rom the sunken cedar swamps along the tide water streams emjUying 
into the .\tlantic and the lower Delaware, shingles and boards were secured 
for domestic use or for the West India trade. Ship-building became a recog- 
nized industrv throughout the southern section, and vessels constructed wholly 
of Jersev timber spread their sails from the Caribbean Sea to Labrador, and even 
ventured over the ocean. .\ttem])ts were made to manufacture ]>(it and i)earl 
ashes in the "I'ines," but with little success. 

In mining, the attention of the settlers was early attracted to the copi)er de- 
posits in the valleys of the Raritan, Passaic and Hackensack. Xot only did 
the Schuyler mines, on account of tiieir richness, gain prominence during the 
middle of the century, but it was there that the first stationary steam engine in 
America was erected. The bog-iron industry in s])ite of unfavorable legislation 
grew into respectable proportions, to be later eclipsed by the development of the 
magnetic ore mines of Morris and Sussex counties. While no coal, available 
for commercial purposes, has ever been discovered in Xew Jersey, great excite- 



,-24 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Tiient was created in Perth Amboy, early in the century, by the behef that coal 
existed near the mouth of the Raritan river. This, however, proved to be a 
high grade of peat. Quarrying was conducted upon the farms, for domestic 
building purposes, while the early discovery of marl led to the opening of small 
pits in the southern counties, and thence along the Delaware valley to the 
Cohanzy. 

To the whaling industry the State owes the settlement of the county of Cape ' 
May, and what is now the shore front of Ocean county. Long before the Union 
of 1702, whales frequently appeared in the vicinity of Perth Amboy and in Del- 
aware Bay. voluntary associations of fishermen, particularly in East Jersey, were 
formed for their capture, while the legislatures of both provinces passed acts en- 
•couraging the occupation. For many years the southeast shore of Long Island 
had been the home of hardy whalemen, who, finding the fisheries becoming less 
profitable, emigrated to Tuckerton and to the Delaware Bay, near Cape May 
City. From these points until 1725. or even later, they organized whaling 
■expeditions, nor indeed did the industry die on Long Beach until 1830. 

From the salt marshes and meadows, extending from the Hackensack to 
'Cape May, and thence to Gloucester, food for cattle was obtained. Along the 
Delaware, particularly from the Cohanzy to the Assunpink, the marshes, under 
■enabling acts of the legislature, were drained and improved. Upon the island 
beaches, which protect the shore front of Cape May, Atlantic and C)cean coun- 
ties, the settlers pastured their cattle during the winter, branding each animal. 
From this stock, which was later neglected, came that peculiar breed known as 
■"wild cattle," a few existing as late as 1885 in the wilds of Seven Mile or Leam- 
ing's Beach. 

The smaller industries were by no means neglected. In the southern and 
eastern part of the State clams were dried for winter use, wild cranberries were 
gathered, oysters were dredged, while in the northern section there was much 
fishing in the rivers and hunting in the hills. 

The result oi this phase of activity was to make each man partially pro- 
ficient in several occupations. Thus the Cape May whalers fished in winter 
and farmed in summer, the Quaker plantation-owner conducted his saw mills 
and ran his shallops to Philadelphia, the East Jerseyman "went by water" as 
the expression had it. and worked upon his garden. There was little or no 
•division of labor, each one met and overcame, if he could, the conditions which 
confronted him. 

The economic problem, had it not been for the stupid and stultifying policy 
of the crown, would have been solved peaceably in due time. England looked 
upon Xew Jersey, and her other trans-Atlantic colonies, merely as sources of 
revenue, whence could be drawn money and food. "Crush Competition" was 



HISTORY r)F NEW JERSEY. 25 

the cry of the Enc^lish ami Scottisli workingnian. anrl in tlic ])rocess of destroying 
the economic life of Ikt (Icpendciicics. she lost them forever. In New Jersey, 
by legislation she throttled the bog-iron forges for the benefit of her home la- 
borers; she prohibited the exportation of American woolen goods. She re- 
stricted the sale of wooden staves and hoops, sought to confine the trade in 
beaver hats, and refused as a crowning exhibition of economic weakness to per- 
mit a free circulation of money. The colony was placed upon the weakest 
possible economic liasis. With a paper currency, which depreciated with every 
adverse wind that blew, Xew Jersey relied upon so frail a medium of exchange. 
There was also a congested circulation of European gold, silver and copper. 
The minted coin quickly fell into the hands of the merchants and land owners 
who contracted and expanded the circulating medium, either unintentionally 
or otherwise. This led to counterfeiting, "sweating" and other like practices, 
and with the result of constant public executions in the yards of the jails or court 
houses. To this nuist be added the infrequcncy of association. While a pos- 
tal service was established for the colonies, from which Xew Jersey benefitted, 
there was great expense in the transmission of letters. The roads were poor, 
there being no public vehicles running regularly across the State until 1728-29. 
Communication, largely by shallops, was delayed or cut off during the winter, 
and pirates infested Xew York and Delaware Bays to the great detriment of 
trade along the coast. 

The legislation passed to thus hamper and destroy economic growth, was 
copious, but according to Professor John Bach McMaster, may be resolved into 
four distinct elements. 

It was required that colonial trade should be carried on in ships built and 
owned in England or in the Colonies, two-thirds of the crew to consist of Eng- 
lish subjects. 

Most of the products of the colonies could be sent only to England. Cer- 
tain products could be shipped to any port in the world, but these products 
•were few in number. 

Inter-colonial commerce was prohibited to the extent, that if a given article 
which went from one colony to another, was of a kind that might have been 
supplied from England, it must either go to England and be trans-shipped to the 
purchasing colony, or pay an export duty where it was shipped equal to the im- 
port duty it would have to pay in England. 

.Ml goods forwarded from Europe to .\merica must first be sent to Eng- 
land. 

fo enforce these regulations there grew u() in Xew Jersey a spy-system, 
which affected every merchant, every vessel owner, and every trader. Naturally 
there was nnich violation of the law, although many of the most active smug- 



26 HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

glers were never brought to justice. The crown officials, collectors of customs, 
revenue inspectors and the like, were often men who held their offices as re- 
wards for services rendered the home government, and, as thev were practically 
autocrats in their little spheres, they profited accordingly. The moral efifect 
upon the business sense of the community was bad, and the most enterprising 
smuggler — provided he was successful — was duly admired by the masses, not 
only for his boldness, but because he had outwitted the crown officers or had 
purchased their silence. 

Such were some of the conditions existent in the colony when the Revo- 
lution became an accomplished fact. We have seen that this struggle was 
largely the natural outgrowth of a mistaken economic policy, that the seeds of 
discord were very early sown in New Jersey, and that the crown held in check 
for a long time the tide of opposition. But there is another factor that appears 
during the colonial period which played a prominent part in stimulating the spir- 
it of opposition. This was a religiotis movement led by the celebrated evan- 
gelist Whitefield. In his remarkable progress through the colonies, Whitefield 
was followed in New Jersey by a wave of intense religious enthusiasm. Until 
he came, in 1740, Quaker, Presbyterian and Episcopalean were distinctively 
secular, dogmatic and controversal. But under the influence of his preaching, 
he threatened, for a while, to break away every ancient barrier. Tlie Society of 
Friends felt his remarkable presence, while even the Church of England men 
were stirred. But it was among Calvinists that Whitefield mainly taught. The 
Presbyterian Church, in a most violent controversy, was divided into two fac- 
tions, the "New" and "Old Lights." The "New Lights" were Whitefieldian, 
more evangelical, more progressive in spirit than their former associates. The 
two elements carried their disputes to the New York and Philadelphia papers, 
injected the affair into popular elections, in discussing the personality of can- 
didates, and forced a public hearing for all their differences. The indirect effect 
of this was to deeply stir the popular mind. XMiitefield was a living protest 
against ultra-conservatism in the church, whether among Quakers, Episco- 
palians or Calvinists, and this was a protest against conservatism in any form. 

While Whitefield took no active interest in colonial politics, resembling 
Tennent, Brainerd and Woolman, he urged a higher ideal for the State. He 
did what so many reformers fail to do, secure results by the means of collateral 
illustration and indirect appeal. 

The colonial period now closes with the black cloud of Revolution hanging 
over the land. New Jersey is destined to be the theatre in which are to be en- 
acted some of the most dramatic incidents of the long war, to suffer from con- 
stant invasion, and to triumphantly emerge from the conflict, vested with state- 
hood, taking her place among the commonwealths of a new nation. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE TIMES THAT TRIED MENS SOULS. 




I K opening of the Revolution found ])ublic sentiment in New Jersey 
unevenly crystalized regarduig^ tiie desirability of resorting to arms 
as a redress for grievances. Tiie I'Vench war had ended with the 
acquisition by England of all that territory now embraced in the 
limits of the United States, lying between the Atlantic and the Mississippi, to- 
gether with Canada. While ^^,'ew Jersey had raised a reasonable number of re- 
cruits for the expedition against Canada, and had taken part in the siege of Ha- 
vana, neither the war itself nor its results, possessed a direct personal interest 
for the peo])le of the colony. Unlike Pennsylvania, her frontier had not been 
deluged in blood and strewn with ashes; unlike Massachusetts and Xew York 
she had no fear of being swept out of existence should France attempt to re- 
gain her lost power. Her interest in the contest was thus general, rather 
than particular, and was largely an exhibition of loyalty to the crown. 

Like the other colonies, she had paid sugar tax and stamp tax, had erected 
barracks in Trenton, FVrth .\mboy, Elizabcthtown and Xew Brunswick, Burl- 
ington to support troops necessary to protect the territory acquired during the 
French war, had appeared in the stamp-act Congress of 1765, and had even rioted 
in Newark where the "Sons of Liberty" with the cry of "Liberty, Property and 
No Stamps" were particularly active. Tea. during 1774, was destroyed at Green- 
wich in Cumberland county, and Xew Jersey delegates appeared in the First 
Continental Congress and had signed the "Declaration of Rights." Yet there 
was still no powerful sentiment which drove all else before it and made for open 
revolt. 

In general, it may be said that there were tiiree distinct "parties" — if such a 
term may be used — in New Jersey at the outbreak of the Revolution. The 
one, the crown party, was led by (lovern. )r William IVanklin, the illegitimate 
but talented son of Benjamin Franklin. .Associated with him were many of the 
Episcopalians, a large percentage of the Society of Friends and a number of 
Calvinists. In other words the distinctively conservative elements, and the non- 
combatants, were for peace. .\nother party represented men of several shades 
of belief, some in favor of the policy of contiinial protest: others desirous of com- 
promising upon the salient matters affecting the situation, while in 17/4-1775 



28 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

a small minority were advocating absolute independence. These various ele- 
ments were WTiigs. This progressive party included a large proportion of the 
Calvinists of East Jersey, and the Presbyterian settlements in Cape May and 
Cumberland counties, together with those Quakers who. like Timothy Matlack, 
of Pennsylvania, himself a Jerseyman born, were dissatisfied with the non-coni- 
batant policy of the meetings. There were also Episcopalians, whose busi- 
ness had been injured by the navigation laws, and who sought revenge, together 
with nearly every one who had Scotch-Irish blood in his veins. Underlying 
both the conservative and liberal parties, were those who saw in a Revolution a 
chance to better their fortunes legitimately or illegitimately. Through the 
progress of the Revolution it will be shown that, under certain conditions the 
children of chance sided Avith the Whigs, and then with the Tories, as local 
conditions might dictate. The natural sympathies of these creatures of circum- 
stances were with the Whigs, but, vvhile recognized, they were held in check 
by the remarkable power of the real leader of the Revolutionary movement 
in New Jersey — William Livingston, first Governor under the Constitution of 
1776. 

As in all Revolutionary movements, the conservative party kept strength 
by reason of tlie divided views of the opposition. In spite of the fact that 
William Franklin had been early arrested and sent beyond the borders of the 
State, an affair in itself sufficient to precipitate a local crisis, the incident was 
unattended by any starthng situations. Though the leader of the crown party 
was gone, the legislature dissolved and the State government in the hands of a 
provisional congress, the Whig party was unable to force such action as was 
taken in Massachusetts and \'irginia. The sentiment favoring independence 
was by no means general. It is, indeed, a most significant fact that while the 
Declaration of Independence of the colonies was officially promulugated upon 
the 4th of July, 1776, the Constitution of New Jersey, passed two days before, 
provided that the document became null and void, should the matters in differ- 
ence between the State and England be later adjusted. The Constitution was 
hastily drawn by a committee having strong Whig sympathies, nevertheless they 
conceded this vital point to the conservative element, at a time, the most cru- 
cial, in the history of the Revolution. 

The fall of 1776 and the winter of 1776-1777 drew the final lines of demar- 
cation; drew these lines when the gallows was esteemed the reward for lack of 
patriotic success. All the differences of opinion among the Whigs became 
merged into the common demand that the contest for liberty should be waged 
imtil the bitter end. Those who had been half-hearted were electrified by the 
result at Trenton, which one event, aside from its purely military interest did 
as much to revive the hopes of the colonists as any other success during the en- 



IlISTDRV OF XF.W JF.RSKV. 29 

tire war. That small hut interesting class of people who had accepteil British 
protection i)apers, hceanie intensely patriotic after the battles of Trenton and 
Princeton, while some young men. sacrificing all home ties, left the meetings 
of the Society of Friends and laid down their lives for their country. 

The attitude of the Quakers of West Jersey has been o])en to nnich adverse 
comment concerning tlie part the\- played in the Revolution. Charges of dis- 
loyalty have be'. n brought against them, with but little foundation if the real 
state of facts be examined. We have seen that the West Jersey F'riends were 
a conservative people, large land owners, taking but little interest in the "prac- 
tical" politics of the day. preferring rather to work out their policy than to have 
others work it out for them. FVom the earliest times they had held close to the 
doctrine of "non-resistance," and were conse(|uently "non-combatants." This 
was a part of their cherished faith, too sacred to be disturbed. FTirthermore 
they were in the peaceable possession of lands, from which they might be ousted, 
should the Revolution be successful. As they were not forward in politics, and 
had received recognition from the crown, the doctrine of taxation without repre- 
sentation, did not strongly appeal. Xot being actively commercial, the stamp 
duties and the various taxes were not burthensome. particularly as they took the 
view that such impositions were laid upon them by constituted authority, to 
which it is necessary for a Christian to submit, without rushing to arms. From 
its own standpoint, the Society of Friends was sincere. It possessed a de- 
gree of moral courage, to withstand the pressure brought to bear by the advo- 
cates of liberty. This fact was recognized by the leaders of the patriotic move- 
ment in New Jersey, who were loath to send Quakers to jail, excejit for treason- 
able practices, after due trial and strict examination into the merits of the case. 
It is not to be denied that there were members of the Society of Friends who 
gave aid and comfort to the I'.ritish. just as there were those who rendered 
assistance to the ])atriots. yet in each case it was sim])ly an ex])ression of per- 
sonal zeal, overriding the tea.chings of the fathers of the faith. As a mass, the 
Quakers observed a strict neutrality, no matter where their sym])athies might 
lie. 

.Mlusion has been made tt) a class in the connnunity which was Tory or 
Whig, as the case might be. The same element. tyi)itied by the \'icar of Bray, 
existed in colonial life, and exists to-day. In New Jersey owing to the rapid 
passing of troops, the frequent "calls to arms." and the panorama of Tory and 
Whig proclamations there was an excellent oi)portunity for "shifting" by those 
who desired to benefit by rapid but profitable changes. The tavern being the 
public club of colonial and Revolutionary times, it was there that the constant 
conversions took ])lace. Men could be hired by either party to perform any 
required service, and well-founded tradition has it that most of these people 



30 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

possessed double sets of protection papers. Frequently they were paid by the 
English government to aid in the distribution of counterfeit paper money, made 
in imitation of State or colonial issues: or were hired by the Whigs to watch 
men suspected of harboring crown spies. They followed either army, ready 
to do the work of the "hanger on," and could only be trusted so long as they 
were paid. As the war went on and it became more and more evident that the 
cause of liberty would be successful, this driftwood lodged in the safe harbor of 
patriotism, and much to the disgust of the best people, became blatant advocates 
of popular rights. 

But bad as these turn-coats were, they were naught in comparison with those 
known as the "Pine Robbers," whose depredations in the tide-water regions 
of Monmouth, Ocean and Burlington counties are yet vividly remembered in 
local traditions. In the one instance those who served either side for pay were 
simply adventurers, place hunters and seekers for gold, but in the case of the 
"Pine Robbers," these outlaws and murderers, also known as "Refugees" and 
"Associated Loyalists," were actuated by a spirit of such utter depravity that even 
those who hired them stood in awe of their consummate wickedness. The 
"Robbers," consisted of guerrilla-bands, generally organized by the crown's luili- 
tary officers in New York City, and largely under the direction of William 
Franklin, Their main purpose was to steal and murder, wreaking vengeance 
upon the homes and persons of unprotected Whigs, Hiding jjy day in the 
recesses of the "Pines," or amid the dunes of the sea-shore, they rode at night 
upon missions at which justice and humanity stood aghast. The record of their 
depredations aroused such a spirit that when one of the band was captured, 
he was instantly killed, without an attempt at trial. Fagan, proliably the most 
notorious of the "Robbers," was hung from a tree, where, swinging in the wind, 
the flesh dropped from the bones, and the skeleton remained a warning for all 
future criminals. 

In the meantime the aid that the Dutch of the northeastern part of the 
State gave to the Revolutionary cause must not be forgotten. Like the Quak- 
ers, they had not been active in colonial politics, had possessed theiuselves of 
large landed interests, had intermarried, keeping up the customs and traditions 
of their race, but they were not "non-combatants." In their veins flowed the 
blood that had swept Spain from the north of Europe; had secured a vast 
share of the East India trade, and had driven back the cruel waters of the North 
and Zuyder Seas. L'nhampered by non-combatism, slow to anger, but very 
lions when aroused, the Dutch of New Jersey acted heartily in conjunction with 
the patriotic movemeiU. True to racial tendencies, it is said that nothing ex- 
cited them more than the recollection of 1664, and the recognition of the fact that 
New York was in military possession of the British. What of it if the .-Kmeri- 



TIISTORV OF XF.W IKRSF.V 



3« 



cans. tou. were of English extraction; the point to be considered was that the 
colonists were fig^liting- for freedom from lingland's rule, as they themselves 
had so inefTectually jirepared to fight in 1(164. The roster of the militia and the 
Continental line frum .\ew Jersey, is an index to nearly every Dutch family 
name north of the Karitan. 

The Revolution closed in the glowing fires of patriotism. There were in- 
deed a few Tories who remained undeviating in their adherence to the crown, 
hut tlK\ were \ery few. The confiscation of estates, the authorized and un- 
authorized taking of supplies by the commissaries of both armies, the large and 
enforced emigrations of Tories to Xova Scotia, the Canadas. West Indies and 
England, tarring and feathering liy Whigs, their capture and confinement as 
"suspects," left blU a handful, who dared not call their ojjinions their (jwn. and 
submitted to new conditions, with as much grace as their consciences and tem- 
peraments permitted. These men were imdoul)tedly animated by motives ol 
sinceritv, no matter how wrong they might be in their opinions. They be- 
lieved that the time was not ri])e for the colonies to declare themselves free, and 
saw in the new order of things, little less than anarchy. The remaining por- 
tion of the comnuniity was intensel\- patriotic. Though already divided into 
conservative and liberal factions, they recognized only, at first, that a long and 
costly w'ar had been brought to a close, and the ideal for which they had sacri- 
ficed all things had been accomplished. Questions of governmental jjolicy, 
were, for the hour, forgotten, and even the weak and vacillating Continental 
Congress, which was either mocked at or held in contempt, received a share of 
the popular good will. 

Hut the people of New Jersey, and of the other colonies as well, soon 
realized that the public welfare demanded something more than jubilation con- 
cerning the .success at ^■()rktown nr the drinking of toasts on the succeeding 
Fourth of Julv. The disiK-rsing of the soldiers, the rehabilitation and de\elop- 
ment of industries, now free, but w Inch ha<l severely suffered during the war, 
the readjustment of social and econcjinic relations, as well as those of a govern- 
mental character, demanded the most serious attention during tiie coming years. 

In this test which resulted in the growth of a national sentiment. New Jer- 
sey was active, as will later l)e shown. The purely military movements in New 
Jersey need a brief consideration in closing the story of the Kevi>lutii>nary War. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

MILITARY MOVEMENTS IN NEW JERSEY. 




HE transfer of the seat of military operations from Boston to New 
York in March — April. 1776, and the adoption of the Declaration of 
Independence in Philadelphia, July, 1776, brought to the attention 
of the people of New Jersey that the war was something more than 
mere agitation in New England. While many hesitated, many opposed the 
policy of commencing hostilities, the swift flight of events nerved the patriots 
to supreme efforts. Little indeed did Jerseymen realize that within six short 
months the war for independence would be an intensely personal matter. 

The movements that led to that sublime exhibition of devotion to a cause — 
the "Retreat through the Jerseys," may be briefly sketched. Howe, with a 
British army, in July, 1776, lay on Staten Island, watching Washington who 
was encamped on Brooklyn Heights. Washington eluded Howe, crossed to 
New York City and slowly retreated north along the east bank of the Hudson, 
followed by Howe as far as White Plains. The British during the middle of 
the month of November, attempted the capture of I'^ort Lee, the .Americans fall- 
ing back to a point near Newark. From White Plains, Washington made a 
detour, crossed the Hudson and entered New Jersey near Tappan. He thence 
marched to Hackensack. where he expected to be reinforced with seven thou- 
sard men undtr Charles Lee. who had been detached at North Castle in New 
York State. Lee, however, refused to obey his orders, which, as a modern 
historian says, "forced Washington to begin his famous retreat across the 
Jerseys." 

The horrors of that march have liten recited in prose and song. The 
route lay through Newark, Elizabethtown, New Brunswick, Kingston and 
Princeton. Constant reverses met every effort that Washington put forth. 
Not alone was he contending- with desertions, but lack of funds, food supply 
and clothing, only added to the usual discomforts of a winter campaign. The 
terms of service of militiamen and of the Continental line, were expiring ,and so 
dark was the outlook that but few could be induced to rdnlist. The hopeless- 
ness of the cause, and the spirit of local disaffection, of which we have already 
spoken, sapped the enthusiasm of the most enthusiastic volunteer. Behind him 
lav the British, who assumed the war practically finished, and only waited an op- 



HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 33; 

portunily tu ])cii up Washington, and in one blow dljlittiatu llie opposition to 
the crown. 

With superhuman (.•tforl Washington crossed the Delaware at Trenton, 
about the first of December, finally locating his camp at Xewtown where he per- 
fected his ])lans k>v the surprise at Trenton. Recrossing the Delaware, about 
nine miles above the town. Washington, who had now been reinforced by Sul- 
livan's conmiand, entered Trenton upon Christmas day, 1776, and won 
that victory which, blasting the hopes of the British ministry, revitalized the pa- 
triotic cause from Massachusetts to Georgia. Fearful of the oncoming jiost 
of Cornwallis, who had eight thousand men against his two thousand four inm- 
dred. Washington returned to I'ennsylvania, and sent his one thousand Hessian 
and British prisoners to Philadelphia. l"pon the 30th of December, he returned: 
to Trenton and occupied a position south of the town on the banks of the .\ssun- 
pink Creek. Cornwallis kept his forces on the north bank, and after a ])re- 
liminary encounter, Washington, on the night of the 2d of January, 1777, moved 
toward I'rinceton by an eastern road, and won. on the morning of the 3d, a 
substantial victory near the town. This he was unable to follow u]i, largely 
owing to the utter exhaustion of his men. Cornwallis, who had been com- 
pletely deceived by W'ashington's manoenver fell back to Xew P>runswick. while 
Washington encamped during the winter of 1777. at Morristown. whence he 
departed in .Ma_\- for Xew York State. 

The ne.xt military event of ini]jortance in .Xew Jersey .grew out of the occu- 
pation of Philadelphia I)y Lord Howe, late in September. 1777. Shortly th. re- 
after Washington went into winter quarters at X'alley Forge. The jjatriots 
occu])ied an important position on the Delaware, at Red Bank, which had l)een 
named I'ort .Mercer. This rude embankment and ditch was garri.soned by four 
hundred men. under the connnand of Lieutenant Colonel Christopher (Ireene. .A 
imrty of British troops, with Hessian mercenaries, were directed to dislodge the 
jjatriots. but after a severe engagement on the 22(1 of ( Jctober, failed to acconi- 
])lish their puriKise. The conuuander of the P.ritish and llesMans, Count 
Dnnop, was killed. 

The vear 1778 is made glorious in the military history of the Stat-' by the 
battle of .Monmouth Court Mouse. The news of the j-rench alliance, and the 
coming of the Heet. had scarcely reached I'hiladelphia ere the evacuation of the 
citv was decided ujion. Howe, in Philadelphia, had been succeeded by Sir 
Henrv Clinton, who made speedy preparations to tly to the defense of .Xew 
York. Crossing the Delaware he began a counter "retreat through the Jer- 
seys." I'assing northeast through Camden. I'.nrlington and .Monmouth coun- 
ties, he was harrassed by the local militia and haniiiired by the train of camp 
fe)llowers who ha.l lied from Philadelphia. Washington, leaving \ alley j-'orp' . 
3 



34 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

took a route through Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and Hunterdon county, 
New Jersey, parallehng Chnton's army, the two forces being about tliirtv miles 
apart. While near Hopewell, Washington turned to the east and, on the 28th 
of June, fought the battle in which he was victorious in spite of the traitorous 
conduct of Lee. Once more Morristown becomes prominent, as it was used in 
the southern extremity of that line, extending to W'est Point, and established 
to confine the British to New York City, where they had gi:ine after the battle 
of Monmouth Court House. 

Henceforth, driven from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, unable to secure 
control of the Hudson River valley, either by the exercise of military prowess, 
as in the Burgoyne or St. Leger expeditions, or by the use of gold and strategy 
which drove Arnold into exile, and cost Andre his life, the British transferred 
their operations to the Southern States, until the fall of Yorktown. 

The minor military operations in New Jersey were numerous, and while 
Trenton, Red Bank and Monmouth, represent those best known, the lesser 
events are by no means lacking in interest. 

In the southern portion of the State, Salem county, while the British oc- 
cupied Philadelphia, was the scene of two severe engagements. In March, 
1778, a foraging party of about one thousand British troops commanded by Col. 
Charles ^ilawhood, occupied Salem City, while a spirited engagement at Quiu- 
ton's Bridge resulted in a practical victory for the ill-drilled but gallant Jersey 
militiamen. A Tory massacre at Hancock's Bridge was conducted by the 
"Refugees." many of whom had traded with the British, while Howe occupied 
Philadelphia. The vicinity of Tuckerton was also the scene of an engagement. 
To prevent the depredations of the armed vessels of the patriots, seven hundred 
men and a small fleet was dispatched to Little Egg Harbor during October, 
1778. To cut off the expedition. Count Pulaski was dispatched through the 
"Pines," accompanied by his Legion, while messengers warned the American 
privateers, who escaped. Ere Pulaski reached the shore, the British had 
burned the village of Chestnut Neck, committed other depredations, nuirdered 
Pulaski's picket guard and escaped to sea. While leaving the harbor, a British 
sloop of war grounded, and to prevent her from falling into the hands of the 
patriots, she was set on fire. 

At Bordentown, in May, 1778, the British burned several houses, and had 
it not been for the activity of the militia under General Dickinson, would have 
descended upon Trenton. As it was, shipping upon tlie river was destroved, 
ere the expedition returned to Philadelphia. About a month after the Borden- 
town affair, a detachment of the British troops on the way to Alonmouth Court 
House, entered the village of Crosswicks. and in attempting to cross the creek, 
were met by the militia and Continental troops. In the encounter the patriots 



HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 



35 



were partially successful, in that, while unahle to check the advance of the ISrit- 
ish. their energy and holdness protected Trenton and the nearhv territorv. In 
1776, LUirlington City was attacked by light shijipin-: in the river, althnugh no 
one was injured. 

The part played hy the >.iuthern part of the .State in the Revolution was 
necessarily of a secondary nature, but none the less gallant. Every county facing 
the Delaware or the .Atlantic had a naval force, which, while it was not highly 
organized, was constantly engaged in pre\ing upon British shipping. From 
Little and Great Egg Harbor, from the inlets of the Cape May coast, from Mau- 
rice River and the Cohanzy, from Salem and the more northern creeks, armed 
whale-boats, shallops, sloops, yachts, schooners, in fact all varieties of smaller 
craft, harrassed the enemy. Sometimes the e.xpeditions were successful, on 
other occasions, the black waters of the sea or bay hid the storv of gallantry 
antl of defeat. 

To recall but a pan of those memorable minor engagements, which glorify 
the annals of the northern and eastern part of the State, would be to review 
the Revolutionary history of well-nigh every town of importance north of the 
Raritan. While the affair at Trenton, in general, guaranteed the occupancy of 
the central part of the State to the patriots, which was confirmed by the battle of 
Monmouth. Trenton was not in itself the sole criterion of success. Every inch 
of ground was stubbornly contested; raids from New York were continually 
planned. Newark. Flizabetlitown and the surrounding country was almost 
laid waste; Amboy. lying so near Staten Island was under tribute, while even 
distant Sussex and .Morris counties were infested with i)iratical bands oi Tories, 
who, bent ujjon plimder and murder ranged over the hills anil through the 
valleys. Bergen and the Passaic \'alley also suffered, nor were the (|uiet home- 
steads on the upper waters of the Raritan free from dangers of midnight raids. 

The major engagements, of which history proudly records the deeds of tiie 
patriots, were not those that brought the most suffering and distress to the in- 
habitants of the State. It was the now forgotten skirmish, the raid ii|)oii the 
farms, the assault from ambush, the wayside encounters, that made encarnadine 
the soil of North Jersey. The constant change in the personel of the military 
hosts, the vast uncertainty as to whether one's neighbor was a British spy or a 
patriot, the high strung state of the public mind knowing no rest — this is what 
made the Revolution so bitterly real to Jerseymen, and to repeat but a little of the 
incidents of these minor engagements, woidd be to tell the story of two years of 
the Revolution. 

I'roni affairs of war we now turn our attention to affairs of peace, and watch 
with growing interest the internal develo|)ment of .\ew Jerse\ and the relation 
she occupied to the other new formed .States. 



CHAPTER IX. 

NEW JERSEY AND THE CONFEDERATION. 




HEX General Washington, in the Pierrien House at Rockv Hill, 
during October, 1783, wrote his "I'^arewell Address" to the armies 
of the United States, he saw before him a countrv-side rich and 
fruitful. The clash of arms, the wild cry of alarm, the shadow of 
death no longer drove men from the farms of' Northern or Central New Jersey; 
things, in the time of new-born peace, pointed to unexampled prosperity, which 
wotdd have been realized, had it not been for the weakness of the confederated 
government, and the internal as well as the external jealousies which existed,, 
were further stimulated. 

New Jersey, as has been shown, entered the war with an influential minority 
supporting the crowai. During its progress, this conservative element became 
more reconciled, until at the close of the struggle, only a small number of Tories 
remained. Previous to the promulgation of the Declaration of Independence, 
while the Tory element was not sufficiently influential to drive back the forces of 
armed opposition, it succeeded in securing the passage of a constitution which 
made but a few changes in the outward form of State government. In spite 
of the demand for popular rights, the mass of the people received but few privi- 
leges under the Constitution of 1776. The Governor and State officials, includ- 
ing Justices of the Peace and clerks of the courts, field and general militia of- 
ficers, and the mayors and aldermen of cities, were appointed by Joint Meeting. 
The Council (Senate) and House of Assembly were composed of men having 
certain qualifications, videlicet — the possession of a certain number of pounds, 
proclamation money, the suffrage being restricted to voters at least £50, procla- 
mation niiiney. The Supreme Court underwent no changes. The Governor 
was also Chancellor, and with his Council forming a Court of Appeals, exercised 
a degree of power much as his colonial predecessors had done. The office 
was surrounded with dignity and due regard was paid the person of the execu 
tive. An illustration, suggestive of the aristocratic feeling of the day may be 
cited. When, in the early fall of 1776, the Legislature provided for the mak- 
ing of a Great Seal for the State, it was ordered that until the same was deliv- 
ered from the artist and die-maker, the coat-of-arms of His Excellency, Wil- 
liam Livingston, should be used as the Great Seal of New Jersey. In other 



HISTORY Ol- XF.W lERSRY. 



37 



wortls, while Xcw Jc-rscy. umlrr tlic ])rcssurf of ccoiioniic considerations and 
the demand for better government, entered u])on tlie stru,i;f,de. the ruling senti- 
ment in the State looked forward to no revolution, which w(ju!d, like the Reign 
of Ternir in l->ance. raze the entire social structure. Xor did manners, cus- 
toms, modes of life and habits undergo a sudden metamoqjhosis. These char- 
acteristics at the colonial period projected themselves well into the present cen- 
tury, and are by no means yet obliterated. 

The government, under the Confederation, was a weak compromise. 
The Articles of Confederation, originating as a war measure, were pre])ared 
shortly after the promulgation of the Declaration of Indejjendence, but it was 
not until November 17, 1777, that they were submitted to the States for adop- 
tion. Xew Jersey, ]jartially isolated during the colonial period, had developed 
a degree of local pride, with which was mixed some jealousy. But in this she 
was by no means alone. \'irginia and Massachusetts had little in common, 
Connecticut and Pennsylvania had grown upon different lines. There was 
practicall\ no national spirit. I'-ach colony had attemi)ted to act, or had acted 
independently and was jjroud of its own achievement. 

The Articles of Confederation, born in struggle, began life under the most 
disadvantageous circumstances. Six states, Massachusetts, Connecticut, \'ir- 
ginia, North Carolina. .South Carolina and Georgia, by reason of their colonial 
charters, contended that their original grants "from sea to sea" gave them lands 
from the Atlantic to the Mississippi, (the then western boun(lary of the United 
States), To add to this complication, Xew York had purchased the Indian 
title to the Ohio valley. New Jersey, whose boundary lines were projected 
north and south by natural barriers, together with Delaware and Maryland, 
refused to sign the .Articles of Confederation, contending that as England did not 
own the Mississipi)i valley until 1763, and as she drew the "proclamation line" 
which abrogated the "sea to sea" claims, therefore the six states should release 
to Congre.ss, for the public good, all right, title and interest which they might 
have in the western country. For over three years the quarrel was continued, 
the states acquiescing one by one. until .Maryland com])leted the I nion on 
March 2. 1781. 

The -Articles of Ct)nfedcration provided for a government that was advisory 
in its nature. Without creating executive or judicial departments, with a Legis- 
lature of a single branch, witli State representatives which might be recalled at 
any moment, and with eacli state allowecl only one vote, with nine states neces- 
sary to pass any act, with no |)ower to enforce its own laws, or to levy taxes, it 
was indeed a "rope of sand." Congress could merely declare war and make 
peace, establish an army and navy, contract debts, issue money, enter into com- 
mercial treaties and essay the settlement of disputes between or among the 



38 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

states. In other words to Congress each state which had declared itself inde- 
pendent, had delegated such powers as it could not exercise individually, re- 
serving to itself the inherent rights of sovereignty which would be particularly 
beneficial. 

The jealousies of the states were transferred to Congress. In the secret 
sessions of that body, the animosities and open outbreaks became so bitter that 
the honorable office of delegate often went begging among respectable men. 
When, in 1784, from November ist to December 24th, Congress met in Tren- 
ton, where was defeated the proposition to erect the "Federal City" at or near the 
town, it was with the greatest dii^culty that a quorum of the members could be 
secured. Even some of the New Jersey members living within a few miles 
of Trenton were a month late in attendance. The Congress was a butt for 
ridicule and sarcasm. Its doings were parodied, its acts were treated with con- 
tempt. It became a body of absolute negation. 

But the two most serious defects that marked the Confederation were the 
inability of Congress to levy taxes, and its lack of power to regulate trade. 
Once more we are confronted by the economic questions which, after all, prac- 
tically lie at the base of all human action. 

With no power to tax, Congress was overwhelmed by the burden of its own 
debt and the expenses incurred during the Revolution. The moral obligations 
lay lightly upon the States who refused to listen to the repeated calls for money. 
Between 1782 and 1786, $6,000,000 was called for, and $1,000,000 was forwarded 
to the National Treasury. New Jersey had been disposed to contribute her 
earlier quotas, but the weakness of the central government had reacted upon 
the Legislature. The crisis was reached when late in 1785 the State absolutely 
refused to contribute her quota, $166,000, to the treasury of the Confederation; 
declared that Congress had redressed none of her grievances, and swore that 
slie would assert her independence, sentiments expressed by the Legislature and 
by the people. The effect of this energetic action by New Jersey led to ex- 
postulation on the part of Congress. Professor McMaster, in his "History of 
the People of the United States," notes that a committee of Congress in March, 
1786, consulted with the New Jersey Legislature. It is shown how the State 
was in honor bound to pay her quotas, and that her drastic policy, urging other 
states to like measures, not only weakened the Confederation in the eyes of the 
world, but at last would destroy the few vestiges of power the Confederation 
possessed. Those who looked toward the establishment of a Federal Govern- 
ment, well realized the force of this argument. On the frontier the Indians, 
incited by the British, were preparing for massacre: at sea American com- 
merce was being assailed by the British and by the IMoors. New Jersey 



HISTORY OF XF.W JERSEY. 39 

rescinded her resolution, declared tliat she did not wish to embarrass Congress, 
but did not then ])ay the requisition. 

But the lack of power to tax the states, was subordinate to inability of 
Congress to regulate either foreign or inter-state commerce. In colonial days 
the trade with England was conducted upon a basis of barter, but it was none the 
less trade. The policy of the crown in stifling manufactures, found the states, 
at the close of the Revolution, destitute of many important industries. Goods 
from England were needed, but there was little money to pay for them, or other 
goods to ship in exchange. English-made products, however, were forwarded 
to America, and much of the gold and silver in circulation was sent abroad. 
The result was a money famine, for what was not sent to England was hoarded 
at home. It was then that Xew Jersey resorted to the cure-all for all economic 
evils — the issuance of tons of paper money and the circulation of debased coppers 
which have passed into history under the name of "Horse Heads." 

The policy of Xew Jersey, so far as paper money was concerned, was the 
policy of Rhode Island, Xew York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South 
Carolina and Georgia. The usual arguments favoring soft-money were ad- 
vanced, and the State attempted, in 1786, to meet the demands of its citizens, 
£130,000 was emitted and taken to Xew York and Philadelphia to pay debts, 
which, being refused in the commercial centers, was sent hack to the State, 
where, in spite of its being "legal tender," it soon depreciated in value. 

The rapid growth of Xew York City and the fact that her food supplies 
came largely from Xew Jersey, led to a dispute between Xew York and her 
neighbors. The farmers of Xew Jersey had established a large and profitable 
trade in furnishing products to the markets of the young metropolis. With the 
sole purpose of preventing the movement of "hard money" from the city 
toward New Jersey, the Legislature of Xew York enacted that every small 
vessel from Xew Jersey should be entered and cleared from the port of Xew 
New York, as foreign vessels were recpiired to do. In retaliation the New Jer- 
sev Legislature laid a tax of £30 per month ujion the Sandy Hook light house, 
then the property of the "corporation of the hated city." 

New Jersey, during the entire period of the Confederation, occui)ied a some- 
what interesting status. While the State pride was intense, she nevertheless 
entered the Confederation, and sustained the central government, until her po- 
sition became intolerable. .Antagonized by Xew York, her industries de- 
pressed, depleted of money, conscious of the inherent instability of the central 
government, the sentiment of the State wavered between an entire withdrawal 
from such an alliance or the formation of the Federal Lnion of strength suf- 
ficient to protect her rights. Once more the old sentiment became apparent. 
The conservative element stood firm for something better, something stronger. 



40 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

something- more enduring. The Whigs were vacillating, some were for the 
independence of each State, with a mere advisory association, others for a con- 
tinuance of the e.xisting state of affairs, others for, they know not wdiat — but 
everyone hoping for the best, and most of the people demanding a change. 
A leap in the dark, they said, would be better than the uncertainties of .the 
twilight in which they were grasping. 

But the change was soon to come in a manner quite unexpected, and one 
which met the general approbation of the people. 



CHAPTER X. 

THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 




> the trade convention which assembled in Annapohs in September, 
17S6, the ])eople of the L'nited States owe their Constitution, which 
arose, glorified from the very ashes of the Confederation. Recog- 
nizing the litter impotency of Congress, and the faihire of the com- 
monweaUhs to regulate commerce, \'irginia had issued a call to the states, 
that they send delegates to "take into consideration the trade and commerce of 
the United States." New Jersey. Xew York, Pennsylvania and Delaware, re- 
sponded, and after a thorough review of the economic situation, hut conscious 
of the lack of interest displa\ed by Xew England, where the anti-l-'ederal spirit 
ran high, the Annapolis convention recommended Congress to request all the 
states to send delegates to a new convention. This convention was to meet in 
Philadelphia in May. 1787. at which the entire subject was to be reviewed. 

But. before Congress called the Convention. Xew Jersey again displayed 
her Federal spirit by electing delegates to the Philadelphia conference, as did 
\irginia. Pennsylvania. Delaware. Xorth Carolina and tJeorgia. 

The convention met, according to agreement. Rhode Island alone being 
unrepresented. Every form of government had its advocates. Those tinc- 
tured by Tory associations advocated a monarchy, others a simple democracy, 
while the mass of the peo])le ranged between the two extremes. To even 
briefly review the work of the Convention, called upon to devise ])rovisi<:)ns 
necessary to render the Constitution of the Federal (.iovernment adeipiate to 
the exigencies of the "Union," assembled as a trade Congress, and adjourning 
with the i)resentation of one of the most remarkable documents the world 
has ever known, would be a task far beyond the i)lan and scope of the present 
work. But the attitude taken by Xew Jersey in the convention, is worthy 
of mention. 

The ninth of June. 1787. was a memorable <lay in the history of the Con- 
vention. In the opinion of an eminent .American historian, to which all other 
constitutional writers have assented, this was the dav upon which the "great 
debate of the session began." 

Early in the ses.sions the \ irginia dek gates had lornnilated a i>ian not i.u 
a new government, but for a strong consolidated union. The project leaned 



42 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

toward centralization, and, as elsewhere digested, provided that each state's suf- 
frage in Congress should be proportioned to the sum of money it paid into the 
treasury, as quota, or to the number of free inhabitants of its soil; the people 
should elect members of one branch of Congress, the State Legislatures, the 
other; the national executive be chosen by the national Legislature; a federal 
judiciary holding" office during good behavior, and a republican form of gov- 
ernment, and right of soil be guaranteed to each State. 

While New Jersey was in favor of federation, it was claimed by some of her 
delegates that the boldness of the Virginia plan, with representation upon a 
basis of population, would work greatly to her advantage. Chief Justice of 
the Supreme Court David Brearley, was the first New Jersey delegate to speak 
upon a resolution regarding representation introduced by William Patterson, 
also of New Jersey. Claiming that each State was sovereign, and entitled to 
but one vote under the Articles of Confederation, a single course was open, 
wipe out existing State lines and delineate new ones, to save the nation from 
despotism. William Patterson urged that the Convention had no power, under 
its call, to form a "National I^egislature." The Convention had no right to 
destroy State sovereignty. Is the welfare of New Jersey with five votes, he 
asked, to be submitted in a council to Virginia's sixteen votes? Neither his 
State nor himself, he said, would submit to despotism nor to tyranny. 

On the 15th of June, after further debate, Patterson presented the "New 
Jersey Plan" for a Federal Government. James Wilson, of Pennsylvania, drew 
the distinction between the New Jersey and \'irginia plans in a few pithy sen- 
tences in which he said "Virginia proposes two branches to the Legislature, 
Jersey one. Virginia would have the legislative power derived from the people, 
Jersey from the states. Virginia would have a single executive, Jersey more 
than one." In other words upon the two plans, began that crystalization of 
sentiment which led to the later formulation of the doctrines of centralization 
and State Rights. Alexander Hamilton, of New York, defined the Jersey plan 
as the old articles of Confederation with new patches: it was pork still, with a 
change of sauce. James Madison, of \'irginia, then assailed the Jersey plan, 
in which he called delegate William Patterson's attention to the fact that as New 
Jersey had refused to obey a requisition of Congress, she had thereby broken 
her compact. The Articles of Confederation, Mr. Madison urged, should be 
sustained by every State. New Jersey and Pennsylvania had set bounds to 
Delaware, and would New Jersey and the smaller States be safe in the hands 
of the larger ones? Thus fell the "New Jersey Plan." 

The considerations of power now acted directly upon the delegates. Mas- 
sachusetts, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina ar- 
rayed themselves upon the side of representation, based upon population or wealth,. 



HISTORY OI" Xi:\V JERSEY. 43. 

Connecticut. Marxlaml. Delaware and New Jersey deniandcil equal suffrage. 
New York was divided, while \\ w Hampshire and Rhode Island were unrep- 
resented. This induced the first great compromise, suggested by Connecti- 
cut, that in the Senate the states be given an equal vote, with a representa- 
tion, based on ])opulation. in the House. 

The next great question subjected to compromise, was the counting of 
slaves in ascertaining population. New England and Pennsylvania were free 
soil: the rest, including New Jersey, were slave states. The result was that 
three-fifths of the slaves should be counted in apportioning representation. 

The remaining compromise that did not vitally affect \ew Jersey, was the 
demand of the commercial states that Congress be forbidden to lay export duty. 
The planting states demanded the right to import slaves. To this the com- 
mercial states were opposed, as five slaves equalled three free men in apportion- 
ing representation. It was agreed that after 1808, no slaves should be im- 
ported, nor should export duties be charged. 

Upon the 17th of September. 1787, the Convention finished its work and 
the Constitution was sent to Congress, and by it submitted to the several 
states for ratification. New Jersey, following the example set by Delaware 
and Pennsylvania ratified the Constitution upon the 18th of December, 1787, 
followed by Georgia. Connecticut and Maryland, all of which states adopted 
it without amendment. 

And beneath every jirinted co])y of the Constitution of the United States, 
as upon the original, one finds the names of William Patterson and David 
Brearley. who were among those who declared that no plan so intensely federal 
would ever meet with their sup]iort or the support of the people of New Jer- 
sey! 

The news of the final framing of the Constitution was received in the State 
with general approbation. While it did not suit every one. ])ersonal views 
were set aside, in the general rejoicing. All recognized that a Union had been 
formed which would guarantee each state those rights that had not been dele- 
gated to the Federal Government. Disputes with New York were now at aiv 
end, and after long years of agitation and disaster, prosperity, so far as govern- 
ment could create that form of human happiness, lay at every man's door. 

P.ut there were yet questions to be solved in which New Jersey was vitally 
interested, and which will receive passing consideration. 



CHAPTER XI. 

THE RISE OF DEMOCRACY. 




( )T only was the Constitution of the L'nited States favorably received 
in New Jersey, but the incident of Washington's progress to accept 
the presidential office, tended to bring the people of the State and 
the Federal officials into closer harmony. The manner of the 
choice of presidential electors had been left to the decision of each state. The 
conservative spirit of New Jersey led to the adoption of a plan whereby the elec- 
tors were appointed by the Legislature, a plan followed by Connecticut, Dela- 
ware, South Carolina and Georgia, while in the nearby State of Pennsylvania, 
the matter was lodged with the people. Upon the assembling of the Federal 
House of Representatives and Senate in New York City, in Alarch — .\pril, 
1789, New Jersey with all the other states, cast her ballot for George Wash- 
ington, as first President of the United States. 

The character of Washington had particularly endeared him to the people 
of New Jersey. He had been intimately associated with the citizens of the 
State in the darkest hours of the Revolution, preceding the battle of Trenton, 
he had turned defeat into victory at Monmouth, he had been for several months 
in the late summer and fall of 1783 a resident of Rocky Hill, while Congress 
met at Princeton, he had encamped in Morristown and had been the friend of 
that unflinching patriot, William Livingston. Thus, when he left ;\It. \'ernon 
upon his remarkable tour, which preceded his inauguration as President, the 
entire population of the State did him honor. Crossing from Pennsylvania to 
Trenton, a triumphal arch, military salutes, flowers strewn upon his ])atli, and a 
chorus of matrons and maids, welcomed him upon the afternoon of .\pril 21st, 
1789. Passing on to Princeton, where he was met by William Livingston, 
Washington went to Woodbridge, the route being crowded with farmers, who 
cheered enthusiastically, thence to Rahway, to Elizabethtown and Elizabeth 
Port, where like salutations greeted him. P'rom Elizabeth Port to New York, 
he was taken by naval escort, and was finally inaugurated upon the 30th of 
April, 1789. Such a demonstration was not only in honor of the one man 
above all others whom the people adored, but conveyed to him as an official, the 
respect that the people paid the Presidential office and indirectly the new I'ederal 
Government. 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 45 

In tlie nuaiitinK', in the joy of tlu' lionr. a s])iiii of discord arose in Xc-w 
Jersey. The Constitution of 1776, a fact ec|ually true of the constitutions of 
several other States, was hurriedly drawn, largely as a war measure, and was 
sadly in need of revision. The conservative element in the c(3nninmii\ was 
largely Federal, as the term was early applied to those who fa\cired a strong 
central governnient. while those who demanded a "close construction" of the 
Constitution were first known as anti- Federalists or Republicans — from which 
]iarty s^rew the later 1 )eniocratic organization. In .\ew Jersev the old Tory 
element was distinctly Federal, toward which the Society of Friends learned in 
West Jersey. The people of East Jersey tended toward Republicanism, al- 
though the I'ederal party possessed not a little strength north of the Raritan. 
But upon the adoption of the Federal Constitution the general sentiment of the 
State officials was Federalistic. although there was a strong party in the Legis- 
lature which had marked Republican tendencies. The lines, however, were 
earlier drawn, although no party names were adopted, upon the c|uestion of the 
revision of the State Constitution. L'nder the organic law of 1776, the ballot 
was given to "all inhabitants of the State" who were twenty-one years old and 
owned fifty pounds, proclamation money, clear. In the haste, incident to fram- 
ing the document, se.x. race and citizenship were neglected, although it was evi- 
dent that the intent of the framers was to confine the franchise to white males, 
free born, and not aliens. A heated discussion, which began at the close of the 
Revolution and culminated in the adoption of the Constitution of 1844, was the 
result. Tradition has it that before 1S07. women, negroes and aliens voted, in 
which year an act was passed limiting the franchise to free, white males. The 
Federalists were favorable to such restriction, while the Republicans urged a 
revision of the entire document. .\ little i)amphlet called "Eumenes." being a 
collection of a series of newspaper contributions, e.xcited great attention. It 
demanded a more liberal frame of government for the State. I-'xtending back 
to. the official test oaths required by act of the East Jersey Legislature in the 
days of William Hid. the Governor of New Jersey was required to be of some 
Protestant faith. This the Republicans desired abolished, as they did the ap- 
pointment of State officials by Joint Meeting. In other words the I-"ederal 
sentiment stood for a strict construction of the existent Constitution, with a 
limitation of the franchise, while the Republicans urged a democratic form of 
government, and a new document which would ensure such changes. 

But the demands of the Rejjublicans. as illustrative of the conservative 
spirit of New Jersey, were refused. W hile from 178*) to 171)9, no less than eight 
constitutions of the States were made and aniuKled. New Jersey flatly refused to 
alter her organic law. 

r.efore 1800. i)ari\ f. . Hnu in New Jersey ran high. l-"ollowing the eslab- 



46 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

lishment of Isaac Collins" Gazette, in IJurlington and Trenton, which was largely 
■devoted, during the Revolution, to the dissemination of military information 
and the stimulation, by means of essays, of a patriotic spirit, there were printed 
in New Jersey a number of party organs, whose existence was usually short 
lived. But their careers were none the less full of a wonderful, if misdirected, 
energy. Whether Federalist or Republican, in picturesque English, bristling 
with italics and exclamation points, the editors assailed party candidates or one 
another. Not only was the language used sarcastic and bitter, but sometimse 
indecent. The Federalists were accused of being in league with English mer- 
chants, of wishing through the establishment of the Society of the Cincinnati 
to create an order of royalty, to be secretly plotting to set up a king. Upon 
the other hand the Republicans, who went to the excess of copying the style of 
address and some of the customs, incident to the French Revolution, were 
charged with attempting to pull down constituted government and of letting 
loose "the hell-hounds of anarchy." Bitterl)- burned the tires of party spirit 
tmtil the opening of the 19th. century, when certain marked changes occurred 
in the governmental affairs of the State. 

It is somewhat difficult, owing to the limitations placed upon suffrage and 
the contradictory claims made in contemporaneous newspapers to ascertain the 
true spirit of the mass of the people of New Jersey. While every man had an 
■opinion, not every man had a vote. But it is certain that until 1801, three suc- 
cessive Governors, Livingston, Paterson and Howell were avowed Federalists, 
chosen by a joint meeting in which a Federalist sentiment must need prevail. 
Under the county system of elections of members of Council, the distinctively 
<:onservative sub-divisions of old West Jersey, largely controlled the upper 
House and held in check the Republican element which permeated the As- 
sembly. New Jersey furnished her share of troops called upon to suppress 
the "Whiskey Rebellion" of 1794, a distinctively Republican movement in 
western Pennsylvania, and gave her unqualified assent to the principle in dispute, 
namely that to resist, by force, the Federal Constitution and laws made there- 
imder, was treason, and that the President had the right to call upon the armed 
forces of the several States to crush rebellion. 

The remarkable movements that led to the election of Thomas Jefferson, 
the quarrel with England resulting from the impressment of sailors, and the 
naval war directed against the French Directory, the passage of the Alien and 
Sedition laws, the levying of stamp and direct taxes, the erection of a new navy, 
the increase in the army, all directly Federalist measures, or the outgrowth of 
Federalist policy, had their effect upon the people of New Jersey. The retire- 
ment of Washington and his untimely death, deprived the Federal party of a 
tower of strength, while the death of HamiUon at the hands of Burr, in 1804, 



HISTOKV OF NEW JEKSFA'. 47 

still fiirtlu-r weakened the party. The memorable contest in the Mouse of 
Representatives, resulting in the election of Jefiferson and lUirr, as President 
and Vice-President, was followed in 1801 by the election of Joseph Bloom- 
field, Republican, or Republican-Democrat, as the party was later called, as 
Governor of Xew Jersey. The Republican spirit was rapidly growing in the 
State, although the I'ederalists were still powerful. In 1802, by a super- 
human efifort, the joint meeting was tied by the Federalists, but in spite of their 
endeavors the choice, by the Constitution, fell upon John Lambert, Vice-Pres- 
ident of Council, who was also a Democrat. In 1803, Bloomfield was again 
elected and served until 1812. Tlie gradual decline of Federalism, which was 
as slow in New Jersey as in any other State, and the final endorsement of Jef- 
ferson's policy, mark the period between 1800 and the opening of the war with 
England. P'inally, in 1812, it was estimated that the Republican-Democrats 
had a majority of 2,500 votes throughout the State. 




CHAPTER XII. 

THE SECOND WAR WITH ENGLAND. 

IE long Struggle preliminary to the second declaration of war with 
England, upon the iSth of June, 1812, had drawn party lines to 
their utmost tension. The growing spirit of democracy had been 
tired by the repeated insults oiifered the United States, directly or 
indirectly, by England. There was a feeling that a resort to arms would be 
again necessary to teach England that the United States had a national spirit, 
and was no longer a loosely bound Confederation of colonies. There was, also, 
the under-currtnt running stronger and stronger, bearing men away from 
the conservative institutions of the past, whether governmental, social, religious 
or economic. 

The sittiation in Xew Jerscv mav be expressed by saying that while the 
Republican- Democrats had been entrenched in power, aided by the national 
adminstration. the Federal party, in its minority, was still vigorous. Until 
the close of the legislative se^^sion of the winter of 181 2, the administration 
partw heart\' advocates of the war, and hating everything and everyliody Eng- 
li.'^h, was in control of the political situation in Xew Jersey. As early as the 
11th of January, 1812. the Republican-Democratic members of the New Jer- 
sey House of Assembly adopted certain "Resolutions" expressive of the "known 
feelings and sentiments of the citizens of the State they represent." After a 
review of the situation, they presented the two following "causes for complaint," 
which were the real issues of the prospective war between Great Britain and 
the L"r;itcd States. 

The first was impressment of native American seamen, forbidding them on 
board their ships of war. and compelling them to fight against nations with 
whom the United States was at peace, and even against their own country. 
The second was depredation cunnnitted on American commerce, not contra- 
band of war, resulting in seizures and condemnation. The "flagitious conduct 
of the rulers of Great Britain" was said to be "too notorious to be denied: too 
palpable to be susceptible of explanation, and too atrocious for palliation or ex- 
cuse." The resources of the State were pledged to sustain the national gov- 
ernment should war be declared. The resolution was shortl\' afterward adopted 
bv Council. 



HISTORY OF XKW JERSEY. 4t, 

Hut it was ujjon the following October that tlie J'edcral party, liy a political 
manoeuver. borrowed from .Massachusetts politicians, came into control of State 
affairs. The war had alread) brought disaster to New England, the home of 
Federalism, and it was designed that New Jersey should be forced into line, not 
only as a means of securing patronage for Federal State leaders, but for the 
moral effect of such a victory ujion the nation. Thus it was that within a \ear 
New Jersey declared herself for both war and peace. 

L'pon the lotli of Xovember. 1812, the (ieneral .\ssembly adopted a 'T)ec- 
laratinn" which cliaracterized the war as "inexpedient, ill-timed and most dan- 
gerously impolitic;" that the national administration was chargeable with un- 
providently commencing a struggle so wasteful and disastrous; that a Frenchi 
alliance was more dangerous than the war itself; and that an inquiry be made 
into the causes of the war and peace be concluded. 

An examination of the Federal (peace) and Democratic (war) vote upon 
the passage of this latter resolution gives a fair index to the prevalence of the 
sentiment of the State regarding the struggle. In the Assembly in the Federal 
column were to be found Bergen, Middlesex. Monmouth. Somerset. Burlington, 
Gloucester. Cape May, and three out of four of the members of Hunterdon 
county. In the Democratic column were Essex, Salem. .Morris, ."-^ussex and 
Cumberland, making in all the thirteen counties into which the .""itate was then 
divided. In Council, the member from Hunterdon voted with the Democrats,, 
enabling the I-'ederalists to pass the resolution and declare themselves an<l the 
people of the State of New Jersey to be "the I'Viends of Peace." 

This shifting of the legislative position, i)articularl\ when the anti-Federal 
party had won the sympathies of the voters, did not tend to relieve the bitter- 
ness of political feeling. This was further intensified by the introduction of the 
system of "Gerrymandering" election districts, which method, later so well 
known in New Jersey politics, was for the first time used by the Federalists. 

The "(ierrvmander" was said to have been so-called by the editor of the 
"Columbian Centinel." as a pun upon the name of Elbridge Gerry, Rei)ublican- 
Deniocratic Governor of Massachusetts. ,\t an\ rate the scheme of apportion- 
ment sprung from the idea of the old English "pocket borough," and being 
adapted to meet local conditions by the Massachusetts .Anti- Federalists, en- 
abled them to carry the election. The i'ederalists seized upon the idea, and so 
utilized the "Gerrymander" that they not only secured control of the Legislature, 
but elected thereby a Federalist Governor, .\aron Ogden. who served for one 
year. 

.As delineated bv Professor McMaster the situation was developed from the 
passage of a law in 1807 which provided that the Presidential and \ice- Presi- 
dential electors shcjukl be voted for "by the people all over the States." ar<1 
4 , 



50 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

not by districts. It was forseen that the RepubHcan-Democrats would win 
in New Jersey. Six days before the election the Federalists, in power, passed 
an act providing that the Legislature should choose the electors. In spite of 
the Republican-Democratic protests that tiie spirit of the old law was conso- 
nant with the Constitution, and that its letter had been in part executed in the fil- 
ing of nominations, and their publication by the Secretary of State, the act was 
passed and the Federal Presidential electors were chosen. Thence it was but 
a short step to the application of the "Gerrymander" to the choice of members 
of Congress. New Jersey then voted for her representatives upon a general 
ticket. To wrest the power from the Republican-Democrats, the Federalists 
created three districts, each sending two representatives, only one district be- 
ing Republican. This gave the districts unequal population. In the mean- 
time the I'eace men had held a convention in Trenton. 

The close of the war — with its land reverses and its brilliant naval victor- 
ies — was welcomed by the mass of the people of the country. While there 
was no formal acknowledgment by England that she had forever abandoned 
her policy of impressment, or commercial interference, the treaty of Ghent placed 
the matters beyond the range of future discussion between her and the Ignited 
States. In the war. New Jersey had done her part. True, no action upon 
land had taken place within her territory, yet the river fronts and coast lines 
from Bergen to Cape May, and thence to Philadelphia, had been well guarded. 
The vicinity of Sandy Hook and the shore of Delaware Bay had been the scene 
of several minor engagements. Cape May had been exposed to attack and par- 
ti s of British sailors had attempted to raid the tide-water section of Monmouth 
and Cumlierland counties. In their desire for peace the Federalists by no means 
had adopted the policy of non-resistance, but had rendered as effective and as 
patriotic service as the Democrats — by which name the anti-Federalists were 
now generally called. Jerseymen had taken part in the ill-starred expeditions 
on the Canadian frontier; had suffered during the blockade of 1814; had been 
with Jackson at the victory of New Orleans, and had participated in the ship- 
duels, where the gallantry and seamanship of the Americans had won the plau- 
dits of the world. 

In New Jersey, aside from political affiliations, the war was a popular 
measure. The Peace party, made up of the Conservative Federalists, were un- 
successful in their efforts, while to add to the difficulties of the situation the con- 
servative element in the State had resorted to the obnoxious "Gerrymander." 
The retaliation on the part of the Democrats was swift. In 1813, control of 
State affairs passed into the hands of the Democrats, and until 1817 William 
S. Pennington and Mahlon Dickerson were the Democratic Governors. 

The close of the war, the success of the party policy of the Democrats, the 



HISTORY OF XF.W JERSEY. 51 

extension of trade, the vast movement of pojiulation toward the West, tlie 
earliest waves of emigration from Europe and the uphuildiny- (if manufactures, 
all tended to disturb existing conditions. The l^'ederalist party was slowly but 
surely dying. The old questions of a foreign policy, which had been the bread 
of life to Federalism, were settled. With no issue, partially discredited, it had 
simply outlived its period of usefulness. With its highly unsuccessful pre- 
sentation of the name of Rufus King in the election of 1816. the party ceased to 
nominate Presidential candidates, and with the inaugurati(jn of Monroe in 1817, 
the '"era of good feeling" dawned to last for over a decade. 

During this period, or until 1829, the Governorship was filled by Isaac H. 
Williamson, an able man of conservative beliefs, and who was earlier a leader of 
the Federalist movement, although the constant tendency in New Jersey was 
toward tiie growth of Democratic ideas. The political situation of the State 
during the "era of good feeling." however, bears no interest akin to that which 
her economic conditions would naturally excite. 

We, therefore, turn to the social characteristics which mark Xew Jersey 
during the ])eriod of which we speak. 




CHAPTER XIII. 

THE GROWTH OF METHODS OF TRANSPORTATION. 

T is a fact but little recognized, that probably the most important 
result of the war of 1812, to New Jersey, was the fruition of the 
idea of inter-state communication. The permanent seat of gov- 
ernment having been located at Trenton by 1792, and the city hav- 
ing become thereby the base for the movement of military supplies, 
it became an important question for the State and the contractors that a suita- 
ble highway be established between the eastern and western portions of New 
Jersey. It has been shown that the lines of colonial growth in West Jersey 
were along the Delaware River and Bay, consisting of small, widely separated 
communities on tributary streams in the midst of large plantations. To the 
eastward lay the "Pines," which greatly retarded communication with the sea 
coast. East Jersey was composed of several growing towns, closely associated 
by connecting roads and by navigable rivers, with a common sub-center at .\m- 
boy or a large center in New York City. It has also been stated that this phase 
of development marked the period lying before the Revolution. 

A map of New Jersey will show a narrow "waist" of land some thirty miles 
in width, between Trenton and the mouth of the Raritan. This "waist," by 
1812, had been occupied by farmers, whose small centers were represented by 
such villages as Maidenhead (Lawrenceville), Cranbury, Princeton and Kings- 
ton. The land had been long settled, well developed, and was easily passable 
by means of good roads. 

In the meantime, New York was becoming the commercial metropolis of 
the United States, her only real rival being Philadelphia, the terminal point of 
the line of western trade, and the then center of intellectual activity, upon the 
North American continent. To connect these two cities, to facilitate association 
between New England and the South, to nationalize communities that even two^ 
wars had failed to properly unite, was the dream of many active spirits in the 
early days of the century. 

It was the War of 181 2 that largely secured this result. 

It became evident during the struggle that, with the harbor of New York 
exposed to the attacks of the enemy, it would be necessary for New Jersey to 
keep a body of militia employed upon the north shore of Mornnouth county. 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 53 

particularly in tin- viiinity of Sandy Hook. To supply thcsi; men with amis 
and annnunition. as well as to facilitate communication, was the desire of the 
war contractors, and from this desire arose the first projects for constructing a 
railroad across New Jersey. The primary idea was a good road, possibly the 
improvement of the Trenton and New Brunswick turnpike, first chartered in 
1804. \\ ith this end in view the first railroad charter ever granted in the 
State, and one of the first in the United States, passed the Legislature in 1815. 
The road was to be constructed between Trenton and New- Brunswick, and 
although it was never built, is indicative of the needs of the time. 

But to properly understand the conditions underlying this advancement, it is 
necessary to revert to colonial conditions. 

As early as 1693, the Legislature of East Jersey provided for the improve- 
ment of the highway leading between Inian's Ferry (New Brunswick) and the 
Delaware. This, road was little more than an Indian trail, and, indeed, so re- 
mained for several years. To the colonial mind, for the purposes of long jour- 
neys, a road was secondary to a river. Speed was subordinated to personal 
safety and convenience. To reach I'iiiladelphia from New York was almost 
impossible, except by means of a partial water trip, thus avoiding the crossing 
of the smaller rivers and the annoyances of being on horseback for three or four 
•days. Thus the traveller set out in sloop or shallop from New York, thence to 
Amboy or New Brunswick, at the head of tide on the Raritan, where his horse, 
within a day. in good weather, could convey him to Trenton, the head of tide 
on the Delaware. There taking a small vessel he went down the Delaware 
thirty miles to Philadelphia. This route, so early established, practically re- 
mained unchanged for a quarter of a century. About 1735, Bordentown came 
into prominence as the southern terminus of the land route, while the northern 
end of the voyage was shifted east from New Brunswick to .\mboy. While 
this made the road across New Jersey somewhat longer, it avoided a short, 
though tedious voyage between .\mboy and New Brunswick, and eliminated 
the delays incident to obstructed navigation, which then, as now, retard vessels. 

This Amboy-Bordentown road, once established, remained the base of all 
communication across New Jersey for nearly one hundred and twenty-five years. 
Throughout the purely colonial and Revolutionary periods it was the route of 
the "stage wagons," nor was it until the ()eriod of the Confederation that the 
coaches from Philadelphia to New York passed across the State b\ way of 
Trenton. 

The erection of the bridge across the Delaware from Trenton to .Morris- 
ville. Pennsylvania, in 1804. tended to divert travel, yet the Bordentown-.Vniboy 
route lost but little of its prestige. 

In the meantime, owing to the movement of population to the westirti 



54 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

frontier, and the demand for cheap and rapid-transit, inventors had been work- 
ing upon the idea of a steam boat. OHver Evans had shown his steam-scow at 
Philadelpliia. James Rumsey had navigated the waters of the Potomac, while 
among them all, the most eminent was probably John Fitch, who, experimenting 
in a crude way in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, at last succeeded in interesting 
capital, and in 1786 secured from New Jersey a right to navigate the streams 
of the State during a period of fourteen years. In the summer of 1786, Fitch 
and his associate, Voight, placed upon the waters of the Delaware an imperfect 
but generally satisfactory steam boat that moved at the rate of seven miles per 
hour. In 1787, in the presence of members of the Federal Convention, and a 
multitude of people. Fitch navigated the river opposite Philadelphia, and gave 
to the world abundant proof of the possibilities of his invention. 

In New Jersey Fitch's steam boat attracted great attention. With Rum- 
sey, Fitch engaged in a controversy regarding the priority of invention, during 
the time when Fitch had succeeded in establishing a steam boat line from Phil- 
adelphia to Bordentown and Trenton. 

Stimulated by the experiments made by the pioneers, Robert Fulton and 
Robert R. Livingston, after many discouraging trials in France upon the Seine 
and in America upon the Hudson, secured a monopoly from the State of New 
York to navigate the w'aters of Hudson. This resulted in a discussion which 
threatened to lead to most serious results, even before the "Clermont" was finally 
plying between New York and Albany. The grant to Livingston had directly 
affected the interests of John Cox Stevens, who had built in 1806, at Hoboken, 
the "Phoenix." Mr. Stevens had experimented with the question of steam- 
navigation, but the provisions of the New York monopoly prevented him, as a 
citizen of New Jersey, from navigating his boat upon New York waters. He 
thereupon sent his vessel to Philadelphia, where, with a steam vessel called the 
"Raritan," the latter plying between New Brunswick and New York, the former 
between Philadelphia and Bordentown, a route was opened across New Jersey, 
assisted by the stage line from Bordentown to Xew Brunswick. The profits 
of the Raritan trade were absorbed by the Fulton-Livingston Company. 

During 1810 another commercial war between New Jersey and New York 
was threatened. During the period of the Confederation, New York had at- 
tempted to tax the boats of New Jersey farmers, and the Legislature of the latter 
State had retaliated by taxing Sandy Hook light house, then owned by New 
York City. In 1810 it was proposed that if New York would not permit a New 
Jersey steam boat to ply the Hudson, then no Livingston-Fulton monopoly 
steamer should enter the jurisdiction of New Jersey. This demand was modi- 
fied by the New Jersey Legislature, which passed an act in 181 1, providing that 
as in 1808 New York had enacted that the boat engine tackel and apparel of all 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 55 

unlicensed vessels could be seized, upon the same i)rinci])le, tlie owners niifjht 
"seize any boat belonging to any citizen of \e\v York, fnuncl in llie waters of 
New Jersey." But the steam boat industry in .spite of the fulminations of the 
New Jersey Legislature, remained in the grip of the New York mono]x)ly. 
With injunctions, and by the jjower of their influence, Livingston and Inilton 
broke down opposition wherever started. In 1813 Governor Ogden. of New 
Jersey, established a rival ferry between Elizabethtown and New York, and 
operated by a boat called the Seahorse. But he was soon driven out of busi- 
ness by the New Yorkers. 

In the meantime ferries were established between Philadelphia and what 
is now the City of Camden. 

The public interest taken in canal projects had early aroused discussion in 
New Jersey as to the advisability of constructing a canal across the State. Par- 
tially owing to the recommendations of Gallatin, in his plan for internal water- 
ways, and partially stimulated by the activity of the Chesajieak and Delaware 
Canal Company, the Legislature of New Jersey in 1804, incorjjorated the New 
Jersey Navigation Company, to construct a canal from the Delaware to the 
Raritan. The project failed, owing to various physical and financial difficulties 
which surrounded the scheme. The matter, owing to the advent of the second 
war with Lngland and the institution of other costly improvements, lay in 
obevance until 1816, when the Legislature passed an act providing for the as- 
certaining of the most eligible route for a canal between the tide waters of the 
Delaware and the Raritan. 

Thus in our examination of the question of transportation across New Jer- 
sey, up to and including the second decade of the 19th century, we find that the 
jniblic sentiment was passing through a formative period, soon, however, to 
develoj) into a recognition of the position which New Jersey must sometime 
occupy in the L'nion as a transjiortation center. 

Elsewhere in the State the canal projects had attracted local attention. In 
1800 the Governor by legislative authority was empowered to incorporate a com- 
l)anv to shorten the navigation of Salem Creek, while in 1816, Michael ( )ertly 
was authorized to cut a canal through .Manas(|uan Beach. ( )ther small water- 
ways were projected and some were comjileted in due season. 

The construction of turnpikes throughout the country, particularly the com- 
mencement of the National Pike in 1806. together with the improving of roads 
connecting the cities, was a .stimulus to the growth of a turn|)ike system in New 
Jersey. In later colonial and Revolutionary times there were several systems 
of roads in New Tersey. One reached southward from Cooper's Ferry (Cam- 
den) to Gloucester. Woodbury. Racoon, Penn's Nock, Salem, Greenwich, Co- 
hanzv and thence bv Maurice River to Cape May. From Caiic May a road 



^56 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

skirted the shore until it reached the main road leading from Burlington to the 
vicinity of Tuckerton. From Burlington roads radiated to Moorestown, Mt. 
Holly and Eayrestown, while the road from Camden parallelled the river from 
"to Bordentown and Trenton. This embraced the main arteries of travel in 
Southern New Jersey. 

From Bordentown and Trenton to the Raritan River, the two roads to 
which allusion has been made were well defined. On the north shore of Mon- 
mouth county, Freehold was connected with Shrewsbury, with Cranbury and 
Crosswicks with Aliddletown and New Brunswick. The Raritan valley was 
a net work of roads, connecting the towns of the Dutch settlement, not only with 
the villages on the Delaware as far west as Phillipsburg, but with Trenton and 
the South. 

From Phillipsburg a great road extended northeast through Oxford to 
"Walpack. Here a branch ran to the tri-stat^ line, while a fork extended along 
"the drowned lands to Goshen, New York, and thence to the Hudson. At Ox- 
ford was the western end of a road leading through Hackettstown, Sucassunny 
and Mendham, to Morristown. From Morristown there were roads to Hack- 
ensack and to Woodbridge. From what is now Jersey City, a road ran along 
"the Palisades to Haverstraw, and thence north, while another highway extended 
through Schralenburg and Ringwood. The congested centers north of the 
Raritan and east of the hill country, including Metuchen, Scotch Plains, Spring- 
field, Elizabethtown, Rahway, Newark and the region now known as Paterson, 
were thoroughly united. 

With such a basis, particularly in the growing towns of East Jersey de- 
manding association, the cry for turnpikes was a characteristic feature of the 
period from 1800 to 1820. The movement was particularly noticeable in Sus- 
sex, Morris and Warren counties, where settlers were town-building in the fer- 
tile and beautiful valleys. Even the progress of the war did not delay the im- 
provements. As illustrative of the extension of roads, among the many char- 
ters granted by the Legislature during this period were those to the following 
companies in the northwestern part of the State: Morris 1801, Newark and 
Morris 181 1, Hope and Hackettstown 1813, Deckertown and Newton 1814, and 
Water Gap 181 1. In the vicinity of Newark, were the Belleville Bridge and 
Turnpike Association 1802, Jersey City and Acquackanonk 1808, Newark and 
Mt. Pleasant 1806, while the great Bordentown and South Amboy pike was 
projected in 1816, and the Perth Amboy in 1808. 

The pikes in some instances rehabitated roads already laid out, or were con- 
structed upon new lines. Their building resulted in the expenditures of large 
sums of money for labor and materials, and brought to themselves lanes lead- 
ing to the homes of wealthy land owners, as well as subsidiary roads which 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 57 

■connected the pikes with numerous small villages. It was, indeed, an era in 
New Jersey, as elsewhere, wlien the public mind was turned toward permanent 
and material inijjrovement. (lood roads meant cheaper goods, saving of 
freights, improved mail facilities, increased circulation of newspapers, accessi- 
bility to schools and ciuirches, in fact, the development of every factor in as- 
sociation. 

From the problem of transportation, we may now turn to the growth of 
■manufactures in the State of New Jersey, noting some of the causes which led to 
the development of the present industrial life of the State. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

EARLY MANUFACTURES. 




HE conditions whicli had influenced the development of commer- 
cial and agricultural prosperity throughout the country, affected 
New Jersey to a large degree. From 1793 to 1807, the ships of the 
merchants of Burlington. Salem and Perth .-\mboy were to be found 
at every port on the Atlantic coast, a West India trade was developed, 
while the "Flying Xancy," built of oak and pine, of Burlington, or the "Kate 
and Mary," constructed by Shrewsbury ship carpenters, sailed proudly into 
Bristol channel, or into the Thames. 

In the midst of this prosperity, manufactures were by no means neglected, 
and were further greatly stimulated by the embargo laid by England, and which 
lasted for fifteen months. As the embargo was a quietus upon sea-trade, the 
people of the United States who needed carpets, cloth, china, glass and metalic 
wares, resolved to make these articles at home. Professor McMaster has 
pointed out that the "infant industries' were encouraged in several ways. 

As a preliminary step in New Jersey and in the other states, many com- 
munities resolved to form a "Society for the Encouragement of Domestic Man- 
ufactures," and to buy, use or wear no article of foreign make. To encourage 
local industry prizes w-ere offered for home-made products. "Exchanges" were 
established where goods could be sold; corporations were created by the Leg- 
islatures, the factories were promised ta.x exemptions, and the "hands" free- 
dom from jury and militia duty. Bounties were offered and every measure was 
adopted by patriotic individuals and by government, to aid in the upbuilding 
of industries. 

Already the State of New Jersey had seen the benefit of promoting indus- 
tries requiring skilled workmen. Upon the 22d of November, 1791, the Legis- 
lature had authorized the incorporation of the "Society for Establishing L^seful 
Manufactures," had provided for the legal erection of the corporation of Pat- 
erson, and in 1792 had authorized the Governor to subscribe to the capital stock 
of the company. The motive underlying the erection of this Society, from 
which the city of Paterson has developed, did not find its inception in the exi- 
gencies of war. Alexander Hamilton, who recognized the needs of the nation^ 
and saw into the economic future as far as any man of his day, realized the pos- 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 59 

sibilitics of water-power of the Passaic Falls, and by rare insiyht located the 
company in Xew Jersey. Patcrson stood as an object lesson, not only to New 
Jersey, but to the nation, and in spite of subsecpicnt difficulties became the 
nucleus around which clustered other, if less important, plans. 

The action of the citizens of New Jersey led to the formation of several com- 
panies, among them being those chartered to operate at Fairfield 1809, Franklin 
181 1, Essex and Cedar Grove 1814. and Passaic 1815, while cotton and wool 
works were authorized in 1814 at .Mendham, and 1815 at Belleville. The glass 
industry of South Jersey received an impetus, at Port Elizabeth, about 181 1, and 
in other small towns, while in Bridgeton in 1814, an iron works was erected. Small 
forges were located throughout the Pines. In North Jersey the introduction 
of merino sheep, for their wool, the raising and slaughtering of neat cattle for 
leather, and the early attempts to utilize the iron ore in the counties of Morris 
and Sussex were characteristic movements. 

The industries of the day were largely conducted under jnirely rural con- 
ditions. The entrepreneur, the highly developed industrial specialist, the mi- 
croscopic divisions of labor were yet unknown. Upon the farms were to be 
found small manufactories, unchartered, practically little co-partnershii)s, and 
vet undergoing an evolutionary ])rocess. The farmer was still a "jack of all 
trades," although little by little men with special aptitudes were drifting into 
their particular "lines." Already the tendency to locate trades in the centers 
was noticeable. In Trenton, a pottery had been erected during the close of 
the 1 8th century, Newark had her workers in leather, the eyes of far-seeing Phil- 
adelphia capitalists had marked Camden as an available location for manufac- 
tories. Salem was engaged in making glass, Paterson had become a town of 
some importance. Slowly, but surely, the drift toward the future industrial 
conditions had set in. A young man or two from each small comnnmity whose 
places could readily be taken by others, left the old home. There were few idle 
farms. .Ml were occujiied, except those abandoned on account of being un- 
profitable, or whose owners had caught the spirit of the western movement, and 
had followed the lines of emigration through Central New York State, or had 
reached Ohio and Indiana by way of Philadelphia, Pittsburg and the Ohio 

River. 

From our modern standpoint the manufactories were insignificant. .V 
score of workingmen raised the "plant" to a degree of dignity quite unrivaled. 
No legislation regulating the number of hours constituting a day's work, sanita- 
tion, payment of wages, responsibility of the master as to the use of dangerous 
machinery, or like matters, had yet been enacted in Xew Jersey. Tlie oonnnon 
law governing the relations of master and servant, only slightly modified, pre- 
vailed. The superintendent of the works was little different from his men. per- 



6o HISTORY OF x\EW JERSEY. 

haps members of the corporation were among those who worked at the ma- 
chines. The wide world lay before every operative, in which he could rise, by 
excellence and merit, to the very heights of his chosen occupation. 

There were no hard and fast lines drawn between country and city life. 
With no congestion of population, there were no wage workers on the verge 
of pauperism; no captains of industry possessed of vast and constantly increas- 
ing wealth. Some men, who were of a mobile nature, went from one trade to 
another, and more or less mastered each one. The tendency, however, was to 
work out the ultimate possibility of each industry; the active and energetic boy 
or man having in view the betterment of his social and financial condition. 
Women were practically unknown in any factory or mill, being kept out by the 
men and, as a rule, lacked the mobility necessary to change from purely do- 
mestic relations to those of the shop. 

Such, briefly, were the beginnings of manufacturing in IS^ew Jersey. Skilled 
workmen and day laborers from over-sea had already taken their places in the 
industrial life of the State, but their numbers were few and they were quickly 
assimilated. The new-comers were mainly from the British Isles, spoke the 
English language, and were acquainted with the spirit, if not the letter of our 
laws. Here and there an emigrant from one of the small independencies now 
merged into the German empire, could be found. He, too, was soon a part and 
parcel of the life of the community. As yet, few dreamed of the vast emigration 
of the Romance, Slavonic and Hebraic peoples, who, later, added so materially 
to the growth of the cities, and contributed so largely to the sudden change in 
the industrial conditions in the State. 

Henceforth the rapid decline of all industries incident to farm life must be 
noticed. The spinning-wheel and the flax carding machines were soon to be 
silenced forever, the rumbling carts, to give place to wagons built by men ex- 
perienced in the trade. No longer the farmer made his own hoes and shovels 
or had his negro men work in leather. His produce, consumed upon his own 
farm, or in the nearby market town, was, ere long, to be carted to the cities, 
first by wagons over the new-made pikes, and then by the railroads or steam 
boats. The young men were becoming restless and looked out upon a horizon 
wider than the limits of the plantation. The simple domestic existence no 
longer satisfied the daughters who strove for a higher plane of intellectual de- 
velopment and wished for the costumes and something of the gayer life at the 
towns. Such alterations in the static life of a vast farming community, the 
desire for a change, is an important element in the economic history of a State, 
and cannot be dismissed as a trifle, unworthy of consideration. These ambi- 
tions necessitated the expenditure of money, increased travel, and Ijrouglit to 
minds, unaccustomed to vigorous thinking, new impressions. 



HISTORY OF XF.W JERSEY. 6i 

This industrial activity created tiian\ misgivings in conservative minds. 
Some saw. in the departure of a few yoimg men for the towns, the head waters 
of a stream destined to drain dr\' the rural conununities. They thought that 
the expenditure of money for "fashionaJjle follies ' would result in a depletion of 
the circidating medium of the coimtry districts. .\ cry went u]) that the peace 
and harmony of established things was in danger. L'pon the other side the 
broader-minded men recognized that the population centering in the cities must 
be fed. that the small amounts of money spent in the towns would soon be equal- 
ized by indebtedness of the cities, owing the country for wood and produce. 
But more than this they realized the interdependence of country-side and town, 
and that while one could live without the other, neither could attain proper 
development alone. 

But mere discussion could not stem the tide. The spirit of dissatisfaction 
with existent conditions was in the air. The State was not a stati.c conununity. 
but must move along the lines of progress, whether such lines were laid in the 
valleys of least, or over the mountains of greatest resistance. 

Before discussing the future growth of the State, we may turn aside to re- 
view, briefly, the conditions surrounding the religious life in New Jersey, noting 
the presence of the older faiths, and marking the advent of certain new phases of 
religious thought, which deeply aiTected the well-being of the entire community 



CHAPTER XV. 

OLD AND NEW RELIGIOUS FAITHS. 




HE presence of certain religious faiths in New Jersey, from 
earliest colonial times until the close of the second war with Eng- 
land, and somewhat of their characteristics, bears directly upon the 
social conditions of the time. To these brief allusion may be made. 

Before the English came, the Dutch had established their Reformed 
Churches and schools, while the Swedes had erected on the banks of the Dela- 
ware their Lutheran houses for worship. With the English came those of 
varying shades of Calvinistic belief, members of the Society of Friends, a few 
Ana-Baptists, French Huguenots, and a respectable number of Church of Eng- 
land men. We have seen that the Calvinists became dominant in East Jersey, 
the Society of Friends influencing the development of West Jersey, while the 
Episcopalians gathered strength in Burlington, Trenton, Amboy and along the 
Monmouth county shore. 

By 1765, when the members of the various religious faiths had accomplished 
a process of differentiation, one finds in Smith's "History of the Colony of Nova 
Caesaria or New Jersey," an interesting tabulation of the distribution of the de- 
nominations throughout the colony. 

The Society of Friends had in West Jersey twenty-nine meeting houses, 
one in Sussex, three in Monmouth, and four in Middlesex. In Esse.x, Somer- 
set and Bergen counties they had no houses for worship. 

The Presbyterians in East Jersey, including Hunterdon county, had forty- 
one churches, with fourteen meeting houses in West Jersey, though their influ- 
ence was largely confined to limited areas in Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland 
and Cape May counties. 

The Episcopalians had twelve churches in East Jersey, and nine in West 
Jersey, being unrepresented in the counties of Somerset, Bergen, Cape May, 
Morris and Sussex counties. 

Of the other faiths the Baptists had nineteen meeting houses, evenly dis- 
tributed throughout the province, possessing strength in ^tlonmouth county, but 
having no congregations in Morris and Bergen. The Seventh Day Baptists 
had churches in Middlesex and Cumberland, while the Ana-Baptists, sustained 
a congregation in Morris county, as did the Rogerines. 



HISTORY OI- XFAV JKRSEY. 63 

1 lu' low Dutch Clnin.-h liail ti\c meeting:; houses in Sussex, five in Soiiier- 
erset and one in Middlesex, the Dutch (alvinists. two in Essex, seven in Bergen 
and one in Hunterdon, while the Dutch Lutherans had four confjrepations in 
Somerset, Bergen and .Salcni counties. There was also a congregation of 
German Presbyterians in lluntenlon county, while in Gloucester there existed 
a Swedish church and a .Moravian mission. 

There were thus in Xew Jersey about one hundred and sixty meeting 
hou.ses, distributed among a dozen denominations. Of these about thirtv- 
three per cent, were in the possession of the Presbyterians, about twenty per 
cent, in the hands of the Society of Friends: about twelve per cent, under the 
control of the Baptists, and thirteen per cent, were owned by the Episcopalians. 
The remainder, about twenty-five per cent, of the one hundred and sixty houses 
of worship, were largely owned b\ the low Dutch and the Dutch Calvinists, 

But there was soon to enter an element which, particularh- in the southern 
section of the State, was destined to grow to remarkable proportions. This 
was the establishment of the Methodist Episcopal Church, whose early history 
in the State of Xew Jersey is the record of triumph over adverse conditions. 

The opening of the Revolution, when men's minds were stirred with po- 
litical questions, was in no sense a period of religious enthusiasm. The fire 
of the W'hitefield movement had sunk low, the then five great faiths of Xew 
Jersey, Presbyterian, Quaker, Episcopalian, Baptist and the Dutch Galvinist, 
had become static. A precise and rigid theology ruled the day. .\mong 
the Calvinists, English and Dutch, all things centered in the minister and his 
satellites; among the Quakers, in the elders in meeting. All were more or less 
severe: with inflexible, moral codes, didactically framed. The religious spirit 
of the past, which had the merit of being spontaneous and genuine, seemed to 
be in danger of degenerating into a mere formalism. The mass of the people 
were still outwardly devout in their observance of the ordinances, forms and 
ceremonies of their faiths, but there was none the less a lack of fervor or of 
popular interest. The time, indeed, was ripe for the spread of agnosticism and 
infidelity. 

To combat this influence was tlie first mission of the Methodist Ejiiscopal 
Church. Designed by its founflers as a protest against the ritualism and lack 
of zeal of the Church of England, but not as a separatist movement, Methodism, 
like the American Revolution, outgrew its earlier plan and scope. Intro- 
duced into .\merica and thence to Xew Jersey, particularly by Major \\'el)b of 
the British armv, its earlier life was hampered by almost unsurmountable ob- 
stacles. To a degree '"institutional" in its aims, the older and more conserva- 
tive faiths regarded the movement, first with apathy, then witli intense interest, 
and finallv with well-founded apprehension. In government, the new faith 



64 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

was intensely aristocratic with its bishops and presiding elders; in its relation 
to its adherents it was as intensely democratic. To Methodism there were 
no distinctions of color, of political affiliation, of age or sex. It reached out 
to the submerged class and welcomed saint and sinner alike. 

The Revolution was a severe test for the new faith. Already it had seized 
hold of some prominent men in the army; while the tendency of many of the 
enlisted men, free from trammels of home-teaching, was to drift toward the 
doctrines of Thomas Paine. There was in the army much more agnosticism 
and infidelity than we are now aware. The Methodists felt it their duty to ac- 
tivelv combat such irreligion. The period of the Confederation was crucial 
to the Methodists. The older denominations were repellant and cold, the pub- 
lic indifferent, and even abusive. Stories are yet told of the indignities heaped 
upon the heads of the itinerant ministers, and of the fighting and brawling 
during their meetings. 

But in spite of the opposition the Society grew in influence and power. 
It swept through New Jersey south of the Raritan, gathering to itself all kinds- 
and conditions of men. In the sections dominated by the Society of Friends, 
Methodism grew with the greatest rapidity. Men of position left the meeting 
of Fo.x for the meeting of Wesley. It may have been a desire for greater free- 
dom of personal action, and a grasping for a position where there would be less 
formality. It may have been the desire for a change, a desire animating so 
manv men, the causes for which are too deep for explanation, even if such 
causes exist. It may have been a yearning for some direct manifestation of 
the spiritual presence. But whatever the reason, Methodist meeting houses 
were erected in every town of prominence in West Jersey. 

Long after the Revolution, the lines of social caste, drawn in the colony^ 
were still clear and distinct. For such lines, the early Methodists cared but 
little. It was indeed a new thing that the master and servant should either as- 
semble in the same "class meeting," or should pray from the same pew. Women, 
too, were influential in the active work of the church; a thing in itself then 
novel and interesting. 

The great power of Methodism over its followers was that it was dynatnic. 
The itinerant ministry, composed of men of strong wills and noble ambitions, 
the system of "Quarterly Meetings" bringing together people who, previously 
unassociated, met in a fraternal spirit, made Methodism a most active agent in 
association. Under its influence barriers were broken down, and new fields 
were open. Every member became an enthusiastic disciple. It was. in short, 
the ecclesiastical exponent of new democracy, which swept over the southern 
end of the State and bore before it the most cherished traditions of the more 
conservative elements in the comnnuiitv. 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 65, 

The Methodist inoveiiieiU in East Jersey was not so successfni. True, the 
ministers attracted sonie enthusiastic followers, Init the strong i)o\ver of the 
Calvinistic church, held fast its members. It was not until later that 
Methodism forged to the front in the region north of the Raritan. 

From very himible beginnings the Roman Catholics began to increase in 
membership during the tirst cjuarter of the 19th century. There is in<lirect 
evidence that some missionary priests of that faith were in (jloucester coimty 
about 1685, and that there were Roman Catholics in Cape May about 1690, 
among some servants sent thither to further certain plans of Dr. Daniel Coxe. 
It is also claimed by one of the best informed historians of the Roman Catholic 
Church in America, John McCormick, of Trenton, that John Tatham, quasi- 
Governor of West Jersey, and a famous man in the Province before 1700. was- 
a Roman Catholic. This contention is supported by an indictment found im 
Burlington court against a resident of the county for calling Tatham a "Papist," 
and by the character of Tatham's library, as well as by certain collateral evidence. 

During the colonial and Revolutionary periods there were a number of 
Roman Catholic families in New Jersey, to whom occasional visits were made 
by missionary priests. It was not until the close of the war of '12 that Roman 
Catholicism became firmly establislied in New Jersey, and from that time until 
the present, its progress has been little short of marvelous. Tiie vast tide of 
emigrants from Europe, which has reached America and spread over New Jer- 
sey, particularly in the cities, was largely Roman Catholic. Churches have 
been erected, even in remote villages and hamlets. lUit in the progress of Ro- 
man Catholicism, its growth has been largely due to the men of marked ability 
who have been sekcted by the Pajial authority to conduct the affairs of the 
church within the limits of the State. 

Tiie period closes with the establishment of a new faith. .Methodism, and 
the gradual growth of an old — Roman Catholicism, awaiting the coming of a 
new doctrine that aroused in the central part of Xew Jersey an intense inter- 
est — the advent of the Mormon missionaries and the promulgation of the doc- 
trines of Jose])h Smith. 

I'rom the year 1825. the country plunged into an era of great unrest. Tra- 
ditions, i)ractices and customs, modes of life and of thougiit were soon to be 
tested. Wider intellectual concepts, new ideas in governmental and social 
policies were disseminated, not only in Xew Jersey, but throughout the Repul)- 
lic. and for nearly a quarter of a century the new democracy assailed the strong- 
holds of the old-established conservatism and ultimately modified the tendency 
of social development of the State. 




CHAPTER XVI. 

THE PERIOD OF POLITICAL UNREST. 

HE quarter of a century from 1820 to 1845. h^s been characterized 
by an historian of the United States as the "period of poHtical un- 
rest," an era in which the people of the Repubhc, striving for a 
cliange from old conditions, struggled for new light. 

It has been seen that certain causes tended to operate toward this end. 
Previous to this period the steam boat had become an accomplished fact, turn- 
pikes had been built, emigrants had swarmed into the fertile lands of the Mis- 
sissippi valley, canals had been constructed, railroads had been projected, news- 
papers had multiplied, mails were reaching nearly every eastern hamlet, at least 
twice a week, while manufactures were being fostered in many localities. Anthra- 
cite coal and the consequent development of the iron industry, made the construc- 
tion of labor and time-saving machinery a most important consideration. Pop- 
ulation was congesting in larger centers, emigration from Europe had set in; all 
progressive men were animated by the industrial spirit. 

In political life, the intense consideration of the past was giving way to 
liberalism. The older doctrine of government "for and of the ])eople" embraced 
a new element "by the people." .\ more liberal franchise. State officers pop- 
ularly elected, freedom of individual action in nominating conventions, were but 
a few of the demands. Religious life was broadening, the direct influence of 
dominant sects was becoming less apparent, people were questioning 
dogma. 

But nowhere was the movement more apparent than in legislation affecting 
the criminal, defective, dependent and delinquent classes. The insane were sep- 
arated from the criminals, the dependents were removed, to a degree, from penal 
institutions, the barbarous laws affecting poor debtors were in part repealed. 
Cruel and unusual punishments were eliminated from the statute books, and a 
multitude of reforms were urged in every quarter. As a general assumption, 
it may be said that New Jersey did not adopt many of these reforms as early as 
some of the other States. To secure a wider extension of popular rights, the 
amendment of the Constitution of 1776, or a new declaration of organic law was 
a necessary precedence. To such a course the old conservative spirit was op- 
posed, though gradually weakening under the influence of the new democracy. 



HISTORY ()!• Xi:\V JERSEY. 67 

I'.ut it inny he said furtluT liiat ulic-n the State diii tliis u.irk. jiidtjed hv tlie 
standards set in the day and generation, the work was well done. 

.So far as the national political situation was concerned, the l'resi<lential 
canipaii^n of 1SJ4. fciund live candidates before the people, John Quincy Adams, 
Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, Joim C. Calhoun and William II. Crawford. 
The election, owing to the fact that no one candidate received a niajoritv of 
the electoral votes, was thrown into the House of Rejiresentatives. and the "era 
of good feeling," came to a close in one of the most l)itter ])arty (juarrels that 
ever marked the history of the political institutions of the United States. Jack- 
son was defeated, while .Adams assumed the Presidential office. In Xew Jersey, 
Jackson was e.xtriniely ])opular, although the administration had a large follow- 
ing among the conservative elements. .\ battle royal was now waged through- 
out the State, the air was filled with charges and counter-charges: it was but 
a reijctition upon a larger scale of the i)olitical conditions which led to the ele- 
vation of Jefiferson in the earlier years of the Republic. .\or did the friends 
of Jackson cease their efiforts to secure the final triumph of the "man of the peo- 
ple." In 1828. the cami)aign of 1824 was repeated, if anything, with a greater 
■display of hatred and \ituperation. The political situation was little less than 
a seething cauldon, imder which burned the fiercest fires of agitation and of 
personal abuse. Xo candidate's character was safe in the hands of the 
pamphleteers: encounters, with the use of firearms, were frequent between local 
leaders of ])ublic opinion. IVom the assault, Jackson rode trium])hant to in- 
stitute a ])olicy. whicli has made him among the most famous of all .Vmericans, 

With the coming into ])ower of Jackson, the rebellion against conservatism, 
which had sjjreatl throughout the country, became a successful revolution. 
While it is true that in 1821; the eight electoral \otes of Xew Jersey were given 
to Adams and Rush, the anti-Jackson or ".Administration" candidates, the power 
thus secured was short livetl. The term of Ciovernor Williamson, who repre- 
sented in himself the old I'ederalist or anti-Jackson influences, innnediately ex- 
jiired. and the Legislature otifered the Ciovernorshi]) to tlarret I). Wall, who 
<leclined, and then to I'eter I). \'room, who occu])ii.d the jiosition until i8_^2. 

The millificalion imbroglio of 1831, the contention of South Carolina as 
to the right of secession, and Clay's compromise of 1833, played important parts 
in the |)olitical life of Xew Jersey. With the growth of manufactures in this 
State, there had develojK'd a spirit in favor of a protective tariff. liiven some 
of the warmest friends of the administration in Xew Jersey were in favor of a 
tariff, in spite of the fact that the Jackson men in the ."^outh cried that such a 
tariff was "unconstitutional, i)artial and o])pressive." There were also many 
Jcrseymen who were in favor of a system of internal imjjrovements at national 
expense. The census of 1830 liad tlevelopeil the startling fact that citizens of 



68 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

New Jersey owned two thousand two hundred and fifty slaves. This was more 
than were owned in all New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indi- 
ana, Michigan and Ohio. In spite of the practice of gradual emancipation in 
New Jersey, the abolition movement gained some strength from such a showing, 
for as early as 1792 an Abolition Society had been organized in the State. In 
the southern and western portion of the State the Society of Friends had been 
for several years active in work among the negroes. Some of the members 
of the Society, whose homes were on or near the banks of the Delaware, were 
reputed to be prominent in the "Underground Railroad." and the presence of 
Southern slave-hunters in the towns between Trenton and Cape May, was not 
an uncommon sight. It must not be understood that the abolition movement 
v^-as generally supported by the people of New Jersey. It is simply designed 
to show that agencies which promoted the future history of the movement were 
active. 

Party lines in New Jersey, as elsewhere, were tightly drawn. The State 
elections in 1832 and 1833, show that the battles of Jackson were not fully won. 
Two anti-administration Governors were successivel}' elected. Samuel L. South- 
ard and Elias P. Seeley. although in the latter year Peter D. Vroom, a Jackson 
Democrat, was re-elected as Chief E.xecutive. In 1833 the electoral vote of 
New Jersey was cast for Jackson and Van Buren for President and Vice- 
President, respectively, and until 1837, the Democrats remained in undisputed 
power in the State. 

That a close relation exists between the action of a political party and the 
financial institutions of this country is well illustrated in the story of the over- 
throw of the United States Bank. Jackson's refusal to recharter the bank, after 
his expression of intense opposition, and his withdrawal of the government 
money therein, placed on deposit, was considered by his adherents, in 1836, the 
crowning act of his administration. The introduction of the system of distribu- 
tion of political offices in accordance with the doctrine, "To the Victor Belongs 
the Spoils," had entrenched the administration in power; the death of the aris- 
tocratic bank was the rounding out of the administration's policy. 

There arose at once a "State bank craze," which resulted in raising the 
number of State banks between 1832 and 1836, from two hundred and eighty- 
eight to five hundred and eighty-three. To this total New Jersey was a con- 
triljutor, although the vast majority operated in the south and middle west. 

From early days New Jersey had been favorably disposed toward such in- 
stitutions. In 1804 the Trenton Banking Company, the Newark Banking and 
Insurance Company, and the Jersey Bank, were organized. In 1807 the Bank 
of New Brunswick was incorporated, to be followed by State Banks at Cam- 
den, Elizabeth, Morristown, Newark, New Brunswick and Trenton, all of which 



HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. ' 69 

received their charters in 1812. In 1815 banks at Paterson and Mt. Holly were 
incorporated, while the following- year the Cumberland Bank at Bridpcton was 
authorized to transact business. In the early 20's. throughout the country, 
corporatinns tor nunuifacturing and transportation purposes were chartered 
with banking privileges. In 1822 the Hoboken Banking and Grazing Com- 
pany, and the Salem Steam Mill and Banking Company, in 1824 the Morris 
Canal and Banking Co., in 1823 the Xew Jersey Manufacturing and Banking 
Company, of Hoboken. came into existence. During the third decade of 
the century the Commercial, of Perth .\mboy. (1822), the I'Vanklin, of Jersey 
City. (1824), the People's, of Paterson, (1824), the Salem Banking Company 
(1825), the Farmers' and Mechanics', of Rahway, (1826), and the Orange Bank, 
(1828), were chartered. In 1830 State banks were organized at Middletown 
Point and Belvidere, while in 1831 the Mechanics', at Newark, and in 1832 the 
Mecl'.anics', at Paterson, received charters. The year 1834 saw new banks in 
New Brunswick. Trenton. Belleville and Princeton, while in 1837 the legislative 
flood tide of incorporation brought additional institutions to Newark, Bergen 
J'oint. Medford. Elizabeth. Plainlield and Hamburg. 

The charters of these banks were broad in the extreme; abuses of a most 
flagrant character required almost immediate investigation on the part of the 
Legislature, and while the great majority of the institutions were conceived in 
honesty, yet the spirit of speculation was so far abroad that even the most 
conservative were under its influence. 

The subsequent history of the career of State banks is well known. The 
issuing of the "specie circular," the removal of "hard money" from the East 
to the West, the distribution of the surplus revenue among the states, and the 
disastrous effect upnn tlie banks of the country. New Jersey among the rest, 
were the direct causes of the frightful panic of 1837. Except for the removal 
of old charters and the occasional incorporation of a bank in a growing com- 
munity, but few institutions of this character were chartered until the period of 
inflation, immediately succeeding the Civil War. In the chartering of New 
Jersey's banks one may trace the -eycles of prosperity" which arc said to have 
been so noticeable in the industrial history of the nation. 

The panic of 1837 brought disaster to the a<lministration in Xew Jersey. 
In that year and in the Presidential election following, the electoral votes of Xew 
Jersey were cast for William Henry Harrison for President, while William 
Pennington, a Whig leader, occupied the Governor's chair from 1837 to 1843. 
The Whig party, represented everything anti-Jack.son, including the (ild-line 
Federalists, advocates of a protective tariflf. th..se who were alarmed by the at- 
titude of the nullifiers. disaffected administration men and many of tiie anti- Ma- 
sons. 



70 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

We cannot leave this period without glancing at the history of two re- 
markable political organizations which naturally arose during tlie era of unrest. 
These organizations were the outgrowth of a social state where the watchword 
was "Equality." 

The growth of the anti-Masonic party was due to an incident In the career 
of William Morgan, a member of the society in Batavia, New York. As 
usually repeated, the story goes that Morgan suddenly disappeared forever after 
he had stated that he would publish a book revealing the secrets of the craft. 
It was alleged that the Masons abducted Morgan. From such charges a party 
arose which became sufficiently national in its scope to spread from Massa- 
chusetts to Ohio, and as far south as Pennsylvania. In New Jersey the move- 
ment made little headway, owing largely to the power of the Masonic lodges 
which had been located in the State, not only from Revolutionary, but probably 
from colonial times. Such strength as the anti-Masonic party possessed in 
New Jersey, was drawn largely from those who considered the society to be 
of an aristocratic and exclusive character, a proposition sustained by the am- 
bi'.ions and professional politicians who headed the movement. Like all other 
organizations which magnify local conditions into circumstances of national 
importance, the anti-^Iasonic party passed from the stage, remembered as the 
organization responsible for the system of holding conventions of delegates for 
the purpose of nominating Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates. In- 
183 1 the party thus nominated William Wirt and Thomas Ellmaker, at Balti- 
more. 

In the .\nti-Slaverv or Liberty party, was the crystalization of all the abo- 
lition sentiment in the country. From the days of the New Jersey Quaker,. 
John Woolman, of Rancocas, who preached the gospel of emancipation in the 
middle colonies, there had been agitation concerning the subject of freeing the 
negroes. New Jersey had adopted the wise policy of gradual emancipation, 
although the number of slaves within her borders was still large. Tlie Missouri 
compromise of 1820 had failed to settle the problem, the status of which may 
be found in the constitution of the American Anti-Slavery Society, formed in 
Philadelphia in 1833. The constitution, as Professor McMaster shows, declared 
that each State had the exclusive right to regulate slavery within its borders, 
that the society will endeavor to persuade Congress to stop the inter-state slave 
trade, to abolish slavery in the territories and the District of Columbia, and to 
admit no more slave states into the L'nion. 

Instantly there was an effort made by the South to suppress the Society. 
The abolitionists began a "campaign of education," which the Federal admin- 
istration attempted to suppress by permitting postmasters to remove newspa- 
pers, ]jam]ililets, monographs and other ]irinte(l documents from the mails. 



HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 7r 

Mobs attacked alioliiimi iiicctings, insiiUed the speakers and destroyed newspa- 
pers, wliile Congress, from 1836 to 1844. enforced a "gag" rnle forbidding any 
paper relating to slavery or its abolition to be received. 

In A]jril, 1840, driven to extremes, yet not deviating from a path so rugged 
and tortuous, tiie Anti-Slavery nun met and nominated a Presidential ticket. 
In 1844. the new organization was namecl the "l.ibertv partv." 

Such were some of the more imixirtant features of the "period of ])oliticaI 
unrest." 



fSBL 


1 



CHAPTER XVII. 

THE PERIOD OF SOCIAL UNREST. 

HE changes which were taking place in the pohtical conditions of 
New Jersey were merely the outward and visible signs of the vast 
internal struggle which reached throughout every state in the Re- 
public. The revolutions in the office of Governor of the State were 
but an expression of the unrest in the popular mind, so far as the Legislature 
reflected the opinions of the masses. We have seen the gubernatorial office 
filled by Federalists from 1776 to 1801, a period of twenty-five years; by Repub- 
lican-Democrats from 1801 to 1817, with the exception of 1812-1813, a period 
of sixteen years, and then by a Federalist until 1829, a period of twelve years. 
In other words in fifty-three years the office, in its political administration un- 
derwent but three transfers. But in the era of unrest, as exemplified in New 
Jersey from 1829 to 1845, the office was held by the Democrats from 1829 
to 1832, by the Whigs from 1832 to 1833, by the Democrats from 1833 to 1837, 
by the Whigs again from 1837 to 1843, by the Democrats from 1843 to 1844, and 
lastly by the Whigs after 1845. Thus in a period of sixteen years the office 
underwent six transfers. 

But nowhere was the remarkable process of development more apparent 
than in the social life of the people of New Jersey. Everywhere there were 
indications of vast activities. True there were many questionable reforms ad- 
vanced, "cranks" with a thousand "isms" came to the surface in the stirring of 
the waters, together with mountebanks and charlatans, ready to foist upon the 
public any scheme to bring to themselves gold and notoriety. 

But these were excresences. The popular movement tended toward the 
betterment of human conditions, sought blindly at times, but sought none the 
less honestly. It has been said that the period of social unrest tended toward 
the betterment of the condition of criminal, defective, dependent and delinquent 
■classes of New Jersey, and that numerous reforms were instituted throughout 
the State. 

In the intensity of thought and feeling, every subject of human interest 
was discussed in the lyceums, public meetings, newspapers and Legislatures. 
Pamphlets came by the thousands from the presses, inonographs were circulated 
as never before. Steam printing presses and cheaper postage made the mul- 



HISTORY OF XKW JERSEY. • 73 

tiplication ami circulation of iirinled matter an important factor in the dissemina- 
tion of individual views. ( )rganizations were formed to encourage the propa- 
gation of theories, economic, industrial, religious and philanthropic. The Legis- 
latures were deluged with petitions, and as the law making bodies were less 
automatic in action than those of the present day, prolonged debates and un- 
•expected majorities or minorities resulted. 

The legislative proceedings of the Assembly and Council of Xew Jersey 
<luring this period, as well as the newspapers, are indices to nearly every move- 
ment of importance. ( )ne may elsewhere search in vain for as wide a range 
of topics as were then under discussion. Every project had its advocates, 
■every reform its promoters, every scheme its plausable advocates. Every man 
with a theory, in the heat of his new enthusiasm, felt that the welfare of the 
body politic depended upon his exertions, and that his aim was to proselyte 
and conquer. 

But it is true that substantial reforms were needed in the State of Xew 
Jersey. The strong hold that the English common law had upon the people 
of the State, had led in part to a most unfortunate condition regarding the 
methods of caring for those incapable or unable to care for themselves. From 
England, the State had inherited the system of public county jails, into which 
in colonial and Revolutionary times, murderers, poor debtors, the insane, and 
•even the aged people and orphans were thrown. The jail was a Bedlam, ren- 
•dered horrible by the intermingling of men and women hardened to vice, to 
whom rum was allowed if the\ had money with which to pay the bills. In 
other words the general, policy was to commit to the jail, every one liable in 
some wav to become a state or county charge. The food in the jails was 
usually poor and insufficient, and the ventilation and sanitation indescribable. 
The jails were culture stations for the germs of disease, which not only deci- 
mated the inmates but spread throughout the nearby territory. Xo one, how- 
ever, was to blame. It was the fault of a system too thoroughly established 
fur the binding conservatism of the time, to alter. Xor was it until the advent 
of this era of remarkable intellectual activity that any permanent reform was 
advocated. 

In Xew Jersev, the changes came slowly, particularly in matters of a phil- 
anthropic nature. Early in the century benevolent associations were organized 
in the larger towns, and private charity was dispensed, but little or no cflfort 
was made to obtain legislative support. This jiroposition was too intensely 
paternalistic even to receive the aid of the most earnest friends of a cen- 
tralized government. If a man was in prison for the commission of an offense, 
he was simply paying a debt to society: if he was lame or blind, it was his mis- 
fortune that his sins should call for Divine retribution. 



74 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

At last there was an awakening and a quickening of the pubhc conscience. 
People no longer talked of the insane as the "victims of God's wrath," and 
urged for the good of the unfortunate, as well as for the welfare of society, that 
he or she be taken from the jail, where his or her howls and cries were met bv 
kicks and rel)uffs, and placed in a separate institution. 

The care of the blind was early brought to the attention of the Legisla- 
ture. In 1 82 1, and again in 1836, acts for the instruction of indigent blind 
were passed. The scope of these acts was further enlarged in 1843 and 1844. 

Indigent deaf-mutes were provided with instruction at public expense under 
an act of 1821, to which amendments were made in 1830 and 1837. 

But of all the philanthropic reforms of the jjeriod none was as far-reaching 
in its effects as the establishment of the State Lunatic Asylum (State Hospital 
for the Insane) near Trenton. The attention of the Legislature had been fre- 
quently drawn to the deplorable condition of the insane, and after a long period 
of agitation, led by }iliss Dorothea Dix, provided, in 1845, for the erection of 
a building suitable for the care and possible cure of these most unfortunate of 
men and women. It was not, however, until i860 that an act to provide for the 
maintenance and instruction of indigent, feeble minded children was passed, 
nor until recent years that for theni and for feeble minded women, as well as epi- 
leptics, separate institutions were established in New Jersey. 

With the location of the State government in Trenton, the need of a State 
prison soon became apparent. In 1797 the Legislature made provision for such. 
an institution in Trenton, which was shortly thereafter erected, and which con- 
tinued in use until 1837, when the building was converted into an arsenal. 
The management of the State prison, in the early days was similar to that of the 
county jails, except labor was compulsory and the use of liquors by prisoners 
was prohibited. But the prison was inadequate for the increasing population 
of the State. This fact, together with the augmenting of Xew Jersey's criminal 
class by those who, as residents of nearby large cities, sought refuge in the 
State, necessitated the construction of a new prison. Commenced in 1833, the 
institution was completed in 1837, and was considered to be a notable illustra- 
tion of the progress then made by architects of public buildings. In its day 
the New Jersey prison stood quite unrivaled, and when, in 1849, ^ legislative 
resolution was passed authorizing the use of steam heat, it was considered that 
every attention had been paid to the demands of reformers. Previous to 1848- 
such moral and religious instruction as the prisoners had secured was given by 
priests, pastors and rectors in Trenton and nearby towns. In that year, how- 
ever, the employment of a permanent moral instructor was authorized by the 
Legislature. 

The new prison in New Jersey was regarded as somewhat of an experi- 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 75 

nicnl. A small hut iullucntial hmly of iikmi were fearful that ton niauv crea- 
ture privileges would make the inmates restive, that I)etter fare, heat and lif,dit 
would lead to insurrections, and that the demand of the reformers would deprive 
punishment of all its terrors. But the spirit which antagonized brutality and 
inhumanity won, and the new prison has become old in its service to the State. 

Turning from tlie criminal, the defective and delinquent classes, those who 
were simply dei)en(lent, excited the sympathies of the altruistic mind. .-\s early 
as 1825 the Legislature, under stiiuulus. passed an act for the protection of 
children whose parents had abandoned or absented themselves. But what was 
of wider import was the legislative action of 1S51, limiting the hours of child- 
labor in factories, and preventing the employment of those under ten years of 
age. In 1845 an orphan asylum had been incorporated near Princeton, at Mt. 
Lucas, which was soon followed by similar institutions in Elizabeth and 
Newark. 

Other than the direct influence e.xerted by the Legislature in the liberalizing 
of public sentiment upon jjhilanthropic matters, a wide-spread interest in like 
reform was apparent in many localities. lietweeen 1830 and 1845 beneficial 
and benevolent societies, which were the pioneers in struggling with the prob- 
lems of organized charity, were incorporated for AUowaystown, lUirlington, 
Bordentown, Bridgeton, Camden. Fairfield, Fairton, Mount Holly, N'ewark, 
Lower Penn's Xeck, N'incentown and generally for the counties of Salem and 
Cumberland. In i83«) a (ieriuan Beneficial Society was established in New- 
ark, interesting as showing the rapid growth of a foreign element in the eastern 
part of the State. 

To offset the very general use of intoxicating licpior during this same period 
of social unrest, there grew up in the Eastern states organizations partially 
secret in their nature, popularly known as ■"temperance .societies." These 
flourished, partieul.irly in West Jersey, where the Society of Friends for many 
years had officially declared itself as opposed to the improper use of malt and 
spirituous liquors. From 1840 to 1845. temperance societies, with beneficial 
privileges, were incorporated for Bordentown. Camden, Lumberton. Trenton, 
Upper Penns Xeck and \incentown. While these temperance and beneficial or- 
ganizations later died from lack of'interest and from being ton constricted in 
their field of operation, their moral effect was highly stimulating at a time when 
excessive drinking in i)ublic and ]>rivate was so common as to cause but little 
adverse coniruent. 

.•\llusion has been made to the introduction of steam printing and the in- 
crease in the number and circulation of newspapers. By 1845 every county 
in the State, with one or two exceptions, sustained a weekly newspaper. AIT 
the larger cities in Xew Jersey had one or more daily journals. \'ast changes^ 



^6 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

had taken place since the days of Isaac Cohins. The classification of news had 
been established, editorial expression was to be found in its proper place, events 
were being "reported" in the modern use of the term. The electric telegraph 
was soon to supplant the mails, riders on horseback, and the semaphores 
operated between Philadelphia and New York. Political news was most gen- 
erally appreciated, that relating to the proceedings of the State Legislature and 
the Federal Congress occupying much space. Local political affairs were fre- 
quently "treated" by local correspondents, whose language was usually pic- 
turesque and vehement. Elaborate obituaries, more ornate in fancies than in 
facts, sentimental poems, exhaustive editorials and town gossip occupied many 
of the remaining columns not devoted to advertising and to letters addressed 
"to the editor." Lengthy communications, with familiar non-de-plumes, were 
filled with complaints. In the liberal newspapers the cry was "refomi" every- 
thing and everybody; in the conservative journals it was the constant expres- 
sion of a fear that everything well-established would be swept away. Change 
but the names and places and the arguments were but repetitions of those ad- 
vanced from the dawn of the world's history, when the dynamic forces have 
called "advance," and the static forces have cried "we are satisfied," and then 
have moved a pace along the line of progress. 

But the newspapers of New Jersey, except as they reflected the news-gath- 
ering enterprise of the metropolitan papers were much like other journals 
throughout the country. Except in the use and abuse of editorial expletives, there 
was but little individuality in the journalism of the day. The setting of artistic 
type, the employment of descriptive headings, the modern "displaying" of adver- 
tisements were unknown. Nor, indeed, did any change in typographical appear- 
ance come until necessitated by the conditions incident to the Civil War. While 
the editors would permit unquestioned libels to appear, an intense conservatism 
existed regarding the "make-up" of the newspaper. It was, in short, more of 
a crime to introduce some startling typographical curiosity, than to accuse an 
"opposition" politician of murdering his wife and starving his little children. 

Naturally there grew up in the period more or less sham and pretense and 
many false ideas of life. Emerging from the close-bounded relationships of 
earlier days, every novelty attracted. Theatrical performances in the cities of 
Philadelphia and New York, travelling circuses and itinerant shows in the 
country towns furnished much of the amusement which the people of the State 
craved. But there was a coarseness and brutality about many of these exhi- 
bitions which would not now be tolerated. Large public halls in municipal 
buildings, in which there were drinking and some fighting, were characteristic 
of the time. While state lotteries had been generally suppressed, there was 
a large trade in tickets of lotteries drawn in nearby cities. Saloons were slowly 



HISTORY OF .\i:\V JERSEY. jy 

takiiif^ the place of the old-time taverns, and malt liquors were being mtroduced 
as substitutes for those of a spirituous nature. Cock fighting and bare knuckle 
contests to a finish, were permitted. It was an era of ])hvsical encounters as 
well as of intellectual contests. 

I!ut such agitation was needed to prepare the way for the Civil War — that 
sublime struggle, iracable to both ethical and econonnc sources, which was 
destined to put to the final test and a final settlement two opposing theories of 
government, two opposing economic policies. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

TRANSPORTATION AND MANUFACTURES. 




HE era of unrest was by no means confined in the State of Xew Jer- 
sey to the advocacy of philanthropic measures. The material 
progress of the period was most remarkable, embracing the develop- 
ment of railroad systems, the erection of manufactories, the rapid 
■growth of cities, particularly in the metropolitan district adjacent to Xew York, 
and the congestion of rural population in the smaller villages, especially the 
county capitals. 

While the theoretical and speculative minds were struggling with prob- 
lems, whose ultimate solution was in grave doubt, practical and nionied men 
were realizing the vast possibilities that lay undeveloped within the State. Cer- 
tain existent conditions demanded their innnediate attention. With the con- 
struction of the Erie Canal and the improvement of its harbor, Xew York had 
become the first city of the continent. Her wharves were lined with ships 
whose sails were spread in all parts of the globe. Philadelphia, owing to her 
distance from the sea and the difficulties of river navigation, was slowly but 
surelv becoming an inland town. Furthermore, Philadelphia, in 1845, was 
composed of a number of independent municipalities, whose rivalries and jeal- 
ousies retarded the city's growth. In a wider sense, while the fires of con- 
tention burned fiercely in Xew England and the South, no ethical considerations 
concerning slave holding, nor jxjlitical discussions as to "strict" or "loose" con- 
struction of the Federal Constitution, were of sufficient potency to interrupt 
commerce between the two sections. Such of this commerce as passed inland, 
of necessity, benefitted Xew Jersey. Therefor, as a general proposition, Xew 
Jersey held the key to the situation, not only as to trade between Philadelphia 
and Xew York, btit between the South and Xew England. Every piece of 
manufactured goods, every pound of coiuitry produce, every passenger car- 
ried over land between the lower Hudson and the Delaware, must traverse the 
State of Xew Jersey. It has already been shown that the road was open, that 
a long established and well-tried route lay between the heads of tide water on 
the Delaware and Raritan Rivers. To connect the two water-ways by means 
of a canal had been the dream of men of enterprise for nearly fifty years. But 
the introduction of steam and certain other conditions retarded the project, and 



HISTORY ()]■ .\I-:\V IHRSEY. 



79 



it was not until 1830 tliat the Delaware and Raritan Canal Company was in- 
■corporated. At the same time there came into existence the Camden and 
Anihoy Railroad and Transiiortation Com])any. which in 1831 consolidated with 
the Canal Comjiany. formintj a corporation whose intlnence upon public affairs 
was of the most direct and engrossing nature. 

The canal and railroad corporations, popularly known as the "' United Com- 
])anies." occupied, at first, an intimate relation to the State. Xew Jersey sul)- 
scribed to the cajjital stock of the railroad, was represented upon the board of 
direction, and granted si)ecial ]jrivileges among which was a i>rohil)ition upnn 
any future cor])oration from constructing a paralleling railroad within three 
miles of the tracks of the Camden and .\mboy. 

.\t first in the general enthusiasm due to the incorporation of such a com- 
pany, the monopolistic character of the vested rights attracted but little atten- 
tion. But before 1840. a battle royal began which lasted until the passage of 
a general railroad cor])oration act in 1875. An anti-railroad agitation had 
for some years been encouraged by the ]iroprietors of the stage coach lines, 
crossing the State. .\s their business gradually dwindled away, their expiring 
cry was against "monopoly" and in favor of "popular rights." In advertise- 
ments tluy urged their former patrons not to trust their lives to the "steam 
roads." whose engines ]ioured forth ashes and cinders to scar and burn the 
passengers, and whose "strap" rails curling in air. when loosened, cut their 
way, as '"snake heads," through the floor of coaches. Death ami destruction 
were pictured as the reward of the travellers, who abandoned the stages for the 
railroad. While this did not deter men of sense, the effect of this special plead- 
ing was elsewhere apparent. The ])atronage of the stages soon embraced 
two elements, oni-, a few conservative men and women who objected to innova- 
tions: the other, the ])Oor who were attracted by cheaj) rates offered by stage 
proprietors. Around the taverns where the stages "relayed" or had their ter- 
minus, there was much talk of "anti-monopoly." From the hotels, the oppo- 
sition sentiment spread throughout the country districts and then to the cities. 
Newspaper letters and pamphlets later attracted the attention of the public, and 
a large and influential ])arty became arrayed against the railroad. The "Cam- 
den and .\mhoy." to save from adverse legislative action its chartered riglits, 
upon which vast sums of money had been spent, entered the tield of politics. 
Particularly was this true after the extension of the franchise under the Con- 
stitution of 1844. In the southern part of the State no general election was 
held without the cry of "railroad interference" was raised, a cry fretpiently 
unjustified. I'or the first time in the history of Xew Jersey a iH-mianent "lob- 
by," to care for railroad interests, was established in TrenttMi. Indeed, for 
a period of ten years preceding the Civil War. pe<.i)le throughout the State were 



8o HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

attracted quite as much by the poHtical movements of the railroad company as 
they were by the kaleidescope of national events. 

In all the turmoil, in all the bitterness of the "anti-monopoly" agitation, 
the Camden and Amt)oy remained masters of the field. Xor had its 
friends and their associates been idle in the e.xtension of a system of transporta- 
tion throughout the State. Under the stimulus of the Camden and Amboy in- 
terests, the Belvidere Delaware Railroad, opening the valley of the river from 
Trenton northward, was incorporated in 1836. Other branches or "feeders" 
to the main stem were incorporated during that year. The Burlington and 
Mount Holly Railroad and Transportation Company, the Camden and \\^ood- 
bury Railroad and Transportation Company, the Mount Holly Railroad and 
Transportation Company, and the Monmouth and Middlesex Agricultural Rail- 
road and Transportation Company were among these adjuncts to the parent 
corporation. The construction of the Trenton branch of the Camden and 
Amboy, and a traffic agreement with the Philadelphia and Trenton Railroad 
gave the Camden and Amboy a direct route to Philadelphia. To the cities 
of the eastern part of the State and \e\v York, the New Jersey Railroad and 
Transportation Company, incorporated in 1832, offered an excellent outlet for 
the Camden and Amboy traffic. 

While the consolidation and control of minor roads was strengthening 
the position of the Camden and Amboy in the southern part of New Jersey, sev- 
(.ral independent systems were being projected north of the Raritan. .\lready 
the traffic between Xew York and the cities in East Jersey had necessitated 
the construction of railroads between growing centers. In 1835 the Morris 
and Essex Railroad was incorporated. In 1831 the Paterson and Hudson had 
been chartered, while in 1847, the Somerville and Easton became an extension 
of the Elizabethtown and Somerville Railroad, chartered as early as 1831. The 
development of the anthracite coal fields of Pennsylvania and the need of tide 
water depots, not only for coal but for iron, was also a strong incentive toward 
the construction of these roads. 

In the meantime ferries were organized uniting Xew Jersey with available 
points in Pennsylvania and Xew York. Steamboats plied between Philadel- 
phia, Salem and Camden, while from New York boats ran to Shrewsbury, Mid- 
dletown Point, Xew Brunswick, Elizabeth Port, Xewark, Jersey City and Ho- 
boken. 

In the fever of speculation preceding the panic of 1837, and in the subsequent 
effort to rehabilitate the prostrated industries, there was marked extension of 
industrial activity along new lines. Characteristic of the time was the craze 
for silk worm culture, which culminated in so disastrous a manner. Stimulated 
by the offer of a State bounty, many residents of Xew Jersey ventured iqion an 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 8i 

inclustiv wliicli wrecked several fortunes, the silent witnesses wliereof are the 
aged mulberry trees standiiijj; on the lawns of many an old jjlantation. In 1836, 
1837 and 1839. the llcrjjen, lUirlington, Canton. Elizabethtnwn. Morris. War- 
ren. Trenton and Salem Silk Companies were incorporated. In 1823, 1833, and 
in 1836, glass com])anies were organized in Columbia and I'.ridgeton, Dennis- 
ville and Jersey City. In 1833 a paper company was incorporated at Han- 
over, and in 1837 the New Jersey Gum Elastic Company came into being. As 
early as 1833 the .\'ew York and liergen Dairy Company received a charter, 
and in 1839 the Somerville Pin and Type Company had authorized existence. 
In 1828 the Trenton Calico Printing Company, in 1837 the Trenton Flax Com- 
pany, and in 1847 the Trenton Iron Company were organized. 

The i^anic of 1837, covering subsequent years, is barren of incorporations, 
and it was not before 1845 that the chartering of new companies became a 
feature of each legislative session. 

With the tendency toward centralization of population the cities of East 
Jersey grew with great rapidity. Jersey City and Xewark felt the impetus more 
strongly than did their neighbors. South .Amboy and .-\niboy which had en- 
joyed prosperity as the termini of the Camden and .Amboy road, realized that 
the tendency of travel was to follow the direct "all land route" between Kensing- 
ton and Jersey City, via Trenton. Xew Brunswick. Elizabeth and Xewark. and 
resigned their former precedence. North and south of Jersey City and upon 
the "Heights," houses were erected upon vacant sites, while Newark was push- 
ing back over the level land l>ing between the Court House Hill and the 
Oranges. Camden had assumeil importance and rivaled Woodbury, her near- 
est neighbor in activity. Trenton had extended her boundaries, while l-^liza- 
beth had already attracted a few men of business from New York. who. as 
early as 1845, went daily back and forth to their homes. But of all the events 
characterizing this period in New Jersey, no one. except it l)e the extension 
of the Camden and .Amboy's s]jhere of influence, was so far reaching in its con- 
sequences as the adoi)tiMn of a new constitution for the State in the year 1844. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

THE CONSTITUTION OF 1844. 




HE powerful sentiment which had animated the hearts and minds of 
men, tending toward substantial reform, found much in its realization 
during the year 1844, in the adoption of a new constitution for the 
State of New Jersey. The declaration of the organic law, which 
had served its purpose as a war measure in 1776. had failed to meet the needs of 
the people in after years. There were many faults, it was claimed, that worked 
greatly to the disadvantage of the people. The democratic spirit of the day 
demanded extension of the suffrage, untrammeled by property qualifications. 
The Governor, it was said, should be deprived of his power as Chancellor, a 
power so easily abused. "The Court of Errors and Appeals is inaccessible to 
the people, owing to the inttrniingling of legislative and judicial functions. 
This should l)e remedied." was still another contention, while first one and then 
another objection left but little of the old document worthy of perpetuation. 

Indeed, even among the conservative element in the State, the friends of the 
old constitution were but few. Of the twenty-seven thousand votes later cast 
upon the question of adoption or rejection of the constitution. l)ut three thou- 
sand and five hundred were counted in opposition to any change. 

In the year 1843, Daniel Haines, a Democrat, was elected Governor, and 
in his annual message, urged the passage of a law providing for a constitutional 
convention. Upon the 23d of February, 1844, the Legislature passed such an act 
providing that delegates equal in number to the members of the Legislature, 
should be popularlv chosen to sit in a constitutional convention. From the 
141I1 of May until the 2yth of June, the convention sat in the Capitol in Tren- 
ton, pre])aring the document. It was submitted to the people for ratification 
upon the 13th of August, 1844. and adopted by the majority above stated. In 
political complexion the convention was evenly divided, and but little partisan- 
ship appeared in the discussions. 

The new constitution revolutionized some of the old forms of government. 
The election of Governor was taken from joint meeting, lodged with the people, 
and the term of office extended from one to three years. He was deprived 
of the Chancellorship, this ofifice devolving upon a person especially appointed. 
The Court of Errors and .\ppeals was no longer composed of members of coun- 



HISTORY OF NEW JKRSIiV. 83 

cil (under the new constitution called Senate), but henceforth consisted oi the 
Chancellor. Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court and the 
so-calletl "lay" judges. These with niunerous minor changes, particularly re- 
garding the powers of the Legislature to appoint municipal and county ofiicers, 
were instantly recognized as of the highest importance. But in the overthrow 
of the constitution of 1776, a few of its foundation stories remained under the 
new sui)erstructure. .As in Colonial and Kevdlutionary days the Governor 
was vested with the power of appointing the State and county judiciary, as well 
as many of the State officials, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and also the 
Prosecutor of the Pleas (District .Attorney) of the various counties, and mem- 
bers of various boards. Xew Jerse\ has never had an elective judiciary, ex- 
cept Justices of the Peace, nor have the people voted for State officials or for 
county officers, except Sheriffs, Surrogates (Register of Wills), Coroners and 
menil)ers of the lioard of I'reeholders (county Commissioners). 

The strong county sentiment in the central and southern portion of the 
State prevented the adoption of the plan of Senatorial districts. Under this 
proposed plan the more ])opulous counties, few in number and lying near .\ew 
York, would iia\e controlled the .Senate. The proposition was defeated, as a 
like proposition was defeated in the days of the adoi)tion of the Federal Con- 
stitution, when the smaller states fought for Senatorial reprcseniatiiMi. mi a ter- 
ritorial basis. 

The new constitution secured for the masses the extension of the right of suf- 
frage. L'nder its provisions every male citizen of the L'nited States of the age 
of twenty-one years, who shall have been a resident of the State one year, and 
the county in which he claims his vote, five months, next before election, shall 
be entitled to vote for all elective officers. Those to whom the right of suf- 
frage is denied are paupers, idiots, insane persons and unpardoned persons 
convictetl of a crime which would exclude him from being a witness, together 
with those barred by statute, after conviction fnr bribery. This was. after all, 
the provision of the widest jjopular interest. To the mass of the jieoiile the or- 
ganization of a tribunal was of as little interest then as now. but the placing 
of the ballot in their hands, cut the last visible cord which bound them to the 
conservatism of the years agone. 

The new constitution was favorably receive<l by the press and the people. 
Critics, self-constituted, picked fiaws in the document, and in the columns of the 
newspai)ers marveled at the futility of the human devices. I'.ut throughout 
the State there was an evident feeling of satisfaction that the proper luu-s of 
demarcation had been laid, between a too rigid conservatism and a too great 
liberality. l"or all practical purposes the constitution of 1776 was abandoned, 
except so far as its spirit was sustained in ])reserving an ajjpointive judiciary, in 



84 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

the manner of selecting State officials, and in clesignatinc; Senatorial represen- 
tation by counties. The work of the Constitutional Commission of 1844 was 
first to eliminate and then to create, and the work was well done. 

The gubernatorial election of 1845, ^^''^ fi''*'^ under the new constitution re- 
sulted in the election of Charles P. Strattun, a Whig. This was undoubtedly, 
largely due to the fact that in 1844 the Presidential vote of New Jersey had been 
cast for Henry Clay, of Kentucky, and Theodore Frelinghuysen, of New Jer- 
sey, the defeated candidate of the Whig party. 

The nomination of Theodore Frelinghuysen had been made under potent 
influences. Mr. Frelinghuysen, owing to his ability and his associations and 
family connections, was relied upon to sustain the Whig cause in the East, par- 
ticularly as the Democratic administration had become impoi)ular. Owing tO' 
the industrial depression in 1837, and its extremely serious consequences, coupled 
with the restiveness of the people of the State, Xew Jersey had in the election 
of 1836, cast her vote for William Henry Harrison and Francis Granger for 
President and Vice-President of the United States. In local politics those 
who charged the Democratic administration with the disasters of the hour, se- 
cured, in 1837, a Whig majority on joint ballot, ensuring the selection of Wil- 
liam Pennington as Whig Governor. Nor in 1840, while yet the financial dis- 
tress tugged at the national heart strings, was New Jersey willing to return tO' 
the Democratic column. The memorable campaign of 1840, with its 'coon 
skins, log cabins, cider barrels, vast meetings, songs, rural parades and intense 
excitement in hamlet and in city, closed in a wild burst of enthusiasm with the 
election of Harrison and Tyler. New Jersey had flung herself into "Whiggery"' 
and had abandoned the party of Jackson and \'an Buren. 

No better illustration of the then neurotic state of the public mind in New 
Jersey can be given than the outcome of the campaign of 1840. But a few years 
had elapsed since the State had been a Jackson stronghold. The agitation for 
the extension of popular rights, the breaking down of customs and traditions, 
the conquest of the Old by the New had made Jackson a very political idol 
in the hearts of the people. But the same power that makes such an idol can 
break it. An economic crisis which neither the Democratic party, nor any 
other party, was unable to avert came after a period of speculation. Those 
who had suffered became iconoclasts. In the place of Jackson or his represen- 
tative, \'an Buren, the people raised u\) Harrison, not because of his popularity 
or of the policy he represented, but simply because they wanted a change. 
Right or wrong, such a change could be no worse than the years of depression, 
and the strangest political contest of the century allied New Jersey, for the time 
being, to W'hig doctrines. 

In the selection of Freling-huvsen as the \'ice-Presidential nominee, with his 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 85 

personal ])()])iilarity ;iii<l the fact that strenuous efforts were made to keep the 
State under \\ hijj control, the party managers were successful. While the 
country turned to Polk an<l renewed its faith in Democracy, Clay and I'reiing- 
huysen received the electoral vote of the State, and aided in securing for Charles 
P. Stratton the ofifice of Governor. 

Henceforth, for a decade, the social, economic and ])olitical conditions of 
the State were free from any marked or sudden changes. I-'rom 1845 'o 1855, 
except for the interest in the .Mexican war. and the agitation of the Liberty 
party, there was no violent agitation. With the return of "good times," there 
was an extended incorporation of new manufacturing enterprises, and increased 
railroad construction. The building of the Cainden and Atlantic Railroad and 
the development of the West Jersey system, attracted attention to the fertile 
areas of the southern jiortion of the State, while isolated portions of the hill 
country of northern Xow Jersey were brought into direct communication with 
New York City. I'Voni the forest regions of the upper Delaware, a large 
rafting trade centered in Bordentovvn. the oyster interests of Delaware and Bar- 
negat Bays were stimulated by the demands of the metropolitan market, and 
the wharves of Hudson county were crowded with steam and sail shipping, both 
foreign and domestic. Cities prosi)ered, under more liberal provisions in their 
charters, w hile the government of townships was vastly improved. 

But the shadow of an impending conflict hung over the nation and dark- 
ened everv man's hopes. Toward unavoidable strife the nation was drifting. 
Yet there was none who could tell what the result would be. ere the arraying 
of armed hosts and the clarion of war were soon to call men from their homes 
to die in unknown graves. 



CHAPTER XX. 

THE IMPENDING CONFLICT. 




HE attention of the nation was turned toward the West from 1844 
to 1850. Commencing with Tyler's secret treaty, with the authori- 
ties of the Texan Republic, which was followed by the Oregon 
boundary dispute, the annexation of Texas, the war with Mexico, 
Fremont's expedition and the organization of the Bear State Republic, sustained 
by a fleet under Commodore Stockton, of New Jersey, events passed in rapid 
succession. 

Upon the close of the war with Alexico, in which New Jersey loyally par- 
ticipated, the United States acquired by the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo, the 
territory embraced within the limits of California, New Mexico, Nevada, Ari- 
zona, Utah and parts of Colorado, and Wyoming. In 1827 Mexico had abol- 
ished slavery from this territory, and upon its acquisition the "Free-Soil"' party 
demanded that it be kept inviolate. The pro-slavery element urged that the 
new land should be "open to slavery and that any slaveholder should be allowed 
to emigrate with his slaves, and not have them set free." The political topic 
of the hour became, "Shall or shall not slavery exist in the territory acquired 
from Mexico?" 

In the Presidential election of 1848, both the Whigs, who had nominated 
Taylor and Fillmore, and the Democrats, who had nominated Cass and But- 
ler, refused to express an opinion upon the question of the extension of slavery 
in the territories. The Democratic policy was dictated by the Southern element 
of the party, while the Whigs in New Jersey and elsewhere compromised them- 
selves by a refusal to adopt any platform whatever. The non-committal at- 
titude of both the great parties, led to the formation of a new political organiza- 
tion which included Whigs, "Free-soil" Democrats, and those who were mem- 
bers of the old "Liberty" or "Abolition"' party. Ex-President A'an Buren and 
Charles F. Adams were the Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates of this, 
the "Free-soil" party. In 1847, ex-Governor Haines, a Democrat, had been 
re-elected Governor. But in 1848 Taylor's Whig plurality for President in the 
State was three thousand. The strength of the "Free-soil" party in New Jersey 
may be estimated by the statement that of seventy-eight thousand votes cast. 
Van Buren received about eight hundred. 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 87 

A lucid exposition of the true state of feeling North and South is that made 
by Professor McMaster. Leaders of public ojiiuinii in the Suutlurn States, 
both Whigs and Democrats, sustained the position taken by the Southern mem- 
bers of Congress, who under Calhoun"s leadership complained: 

That it was with difficult)- slaves could be recaptured when they had made 
good their escape to free states; 

That the constant agitation of the Aljolitionists tended to cause internal 
dissention ; 

And demanded that the territories should be open to slavery. 

In the North feeling ran equally high. Following the example set by 
every Northern State, except Iowa, New Jersey resolved, in effect, that Con- 
gress had proven and w-as in duty bound to prohibit slavery in the territories. 
In both the Senate and House, in 1847. when this resolution was passed, the 
\\'higs had large niajt)rities. In 1849. \'irginia, who had within her borders 
nearly four hundred and seventy-five thousand slaves, declared that the "at- 
tempt to enforce the Wilniot Proviso" would rouse the peo])le of that State to 
"determined resistance at all hazards, and to the last extremity," and further 
that the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia would he a direct attack 
on the institutions of the Southern states. To this declaration. New Jersey, 
in the same year replied, the Legislature adopting a resolution against the ex- 
tension of slavery into free territories, and condemning slave traffic in the 
District of Columbia. 

The unexpected discovery of gold in California during the winter of 1848, 
and the vast excitement produced in 1849. with the rush of emigration, only 
added fuel to the flames. California had adopted a "free" constitution and 
had applied for admission into the Union. As yet the vital question was not 
concerning the ethics of slave holding: but was largely an economic problem 
as to the territorial extension of the system. In New Jersey the ".Xbolition" 
movement had made only limited headway as the "Free-soil" vote in 1848 con- 
clusively proves. Roth \\'higs and Democrats in New Jersey were accustomed 
to slaverv. for in 1850 only two Northern states had slaves within their borders. 
In New Tersev there were still two hundred and thirty-six negroes in bondage, 
while in L"tah twenty-six blacks were owned by their masters. 

.\ period of most intense excitement followed the "gold fever." The 
"compromise" bv Clay, the marvelous congressional debate led by Clay. Cal- 
houn, Seward and Webster, the recommendations of the "Connnittce of Thir- 
teen," and the introduction of the "r)mnibus I'.ill," the District of Columbia 
slave law, and the "Fugitive slave law." together with the death of President 
Tavlor, served to still further compHcate the situation. I'roni these measures 



-88 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

arose the doctrine of popular sovereignty and the frequent visits to Northern 
states of "slave hvmters.'' 

The year 1850 marks the passage of the "Fugitive Slave Law." It pro- 
vided that United States Commissioners could surrender a colored man or 
woman to anyone who claimed the negro as a slave; that the negro could not 
give testimony; "commanded" citizens to aid the "slave hunters" somewhat as 
a sheriff's posse would search for an escaped murderer, and sought to destroy 
the "underground railroad" by prescribing fine and punishment for those who 
harbored runaway slaves or prevented their recapture. 

The "Fugitive Slave Law" was of direct interest to the people of New Jer- 
sey. Five per cent, of tfie total population of the State was of negro blood, free 
or slave. These negroes were largely resident in West Jersey, their homes be- 
ing upon the plantations or in the villages where their ancestors had formerly 
been slaves. To blacks escaping from the South, crossing Delaware Bay at 
night, in friendly sloops, shallops or schooners. New Jersey's counties along the 
bay and upon the lower Delaware, offered an asylum. Nor were some of the 
plantation owners who were members of the Society of Friends, thought to be 
adverse in assisting the slaves in their journey to New England and Canada. 
While recognizing the authority of "fugtive slave law," they were said to place a 
special construction upon William H. Seward's declaration of the "higher law," 
and applied the doctrine to the operations of the "underground railroad." Par- 
ties of slaves sailing over Delaware Bay, received aid and comfort in negro 
settlements, such as Zigtown, in Cape j\lay county, Gouldtown, in Cumberland 
county, or similar villages further north. Hiding secretly by day in barns, gar- 
rets or kitchens, the fugitives were sent "along the line" at night, until they made 
good their escape. Following them came occasional parties of "slave hunters," 
who, with display of arms, brought terror to the hearts of every negro, and 
hatred to the mind of plantation owner and to the populace. Southern New 
Jersey lying so near the slave owning commonwealths, and in such close com- 
munication with Delaware and the "eastern shore" of Maryland and Virginia, 
became aroused from its indifiference, as did other portions of the State, a feeling 
strongly accentuated by an unexpected cause — the pul)lication of Harriet Beech- 
er Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin." 

From 1850 until 1855 the House and Senate of New Jersey were under 
the control of the Democrats. In 1850, George F. Fort, and in 1853 Rodman 
M. Price were elected Democratic Governors of the State, while in 1852 the 
Democratic electoral vote of New Jersey was cast for Franklin Pierce for Pres- 
ident and William R. King for Vice-President. Hale, the "Free-soil" candi- 
<late for Presidency, received but three hundred and fifty votes in New Jersey, 
his strength hing largely in New England, New York and Ohio. 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 89 

r>ut the ikctioii (if i'lcrcc and Kiiijj; \>\ no means settled the (|iiestiun of the 
extension of slavery. The strugfjle for Kansas and the success of the pro- 
slavery men in estahlishinj;- their policy on the "virgin soil," aroused the Xorth 
to still greater activity. F.ver\ where were signs that the resort to arms would he 
the final appeal. There were indications of the demoralization, if not dissolution, 
of the great parties. I'kiIIi Whigs and Democrats had temporized: both feared 
the fearful conseiiuences of precipitating the conflict. Aside from the loss whicii 
the Whigs had sustained in 1852, in the deaths of Clay and Webster, the com- 
promise of 1850. and the execution of the "fugitive slave law" drove away from 
the party a multitude of its warmest adherents, while the Northern wing of the 
party deserted the organization upon the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska bill. 
Democrats opposed to the extension of slavery policy of the Southern leaders 
became disaffected and uniting witli the some of the dissatisfied Whigs were 
known as "Anti-Nebraska men." 

Hut, while the spirit of protest was abroad, the conservative element of the 
Whig party, those who had inherited the Federalist sentiments of the past could 
not affiliate themselves with the Xdrtlurn Democrats. The Democratic party 
had assimilated most of the large body of emigrants who swept across the sea. 
In the North the foreign element had already arisen to a degree of power in 
the councils of the party, and by enterprise and special aptitude, had obtaineil 
partial control of the industrial situation. To the "old line Whigs" this new 
blood, assertive and energetic, was obnoxious. The specious plea was made 
that the nations "institutions, liberties and system of government were at the 
mercy of men from the monarchial countries of Europe." 

To combat this tide of emigration and its assumed dangerous inlUiences. 
a partv largely composed of Whigs was organized, known as .\merican or Na- 
tive Republicans, or more popularly as "Know Nothings." 

The fundamental principles of the party were restriction of office holding to 
native .Americans, a residence of twenty-one years in the United States before 
naturalization, the use of the I'.ible in schools and the abolition of abuses incident 
to securing naturalization. .\n organizatimi had been effected in Louisiana 
in 1 84 1, tile party rose to some degree of power and then deciineil in intUience. 
In 1852 the movement again appeared in New York City, the entre])ot of the 
mass of emigrants, and as a secret society, with grips, signs and passwords, in 
two years won in the elections in .Massachusetts. New 'S'ork and Delaware. 
Southern Whigs also joined the party. 

In New Jersev in 1855, the Know Nothings succeeded in electing a Sena- 
tor and six members of Assembly: in 1856, four .Senators and fifteen nu'ml)ers 
of .Assembly: in 1857. three Senators but no members of the lower house, and 
after that vear disai)peared from State and national politic*. 



90 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

The year 1856 was notable in the ])ohtical annals of the State. The Re- 
publican party had been organized in 1834 in Wisconsin, and had, in the two 
short years of its existence, by the use of "fusion" methods, absorbed "Free-soil- 
ers," Anti-Nebraska Democrats, Whigs, Abolitionists and Native Americans. 
The new party adopting the name "Republican" forged rapidly to the front in 
New England and the Mississippi \'alley, north of the Ohio. It was, indeed, 
time for reorganization. Parties with a single policy, the "Free-soilers," Abo- 
litionists and Native Americans, were helplessly in the minority, without hope of 
national success. The Whigs were becoming moribund. These elements 
having much in common, were easily united and their very weaknesses proved 
a source of strength. Ere long the Democratic party was destined to be thus 
torn asunder. 

The Republican party entered the national contest upon the 17th of June, 

1856, nominating John C. Fremont and William L. Dayton for President and 
Vice-President. Mr. Dayton was a distinguished Jerseyman of wide experience 
and unblemished reputation. But not even the name of Dayton proved effica- 
cious. The Whigs had endorsed Fillmore, and neither Fremont nor I'illmore 
was able to secure the electoral vote of the State. This was cast for James 
Buchanan, the Democratic candidate for the Presidency, whose plurality was 
eighteen thousand six hundred. But in the gubernatorial election of 1856, 
William A. Newell, the Republican candidate, was elected by over two thousand 
majority. 

The few years following 1856, ere the horrors of Civil War sickened the 
hearts of men, were crowded with incidents. Brooks' assault njion Sumner, 
Walker's filibustering expedition to Nicaragua, Kansas' two constitutional gov- 
ernments, the Dred Scott decision, the admission of Oregon, the Lincoln- 
Douglass debates, and the raid by John Brown at Harper's Ferry, were those 
events toward which public attention was mostly drawn. The Republican party 
was gaining converts and had secured majorities in the legislatures of luany 
of the Northern states. But in spite of the rising tide the Democrats re- 
tained control of the Joint Meeting of the Legislature of New Jersey in 1856, 

1857, 1858, and of the Senate in 1859. In the latter year, by a supreme effort 
Charles S. Olden was elected Republican Governor, having the narrow majority 
of one thousand six hundred votes. 

But in the absorbing influences of political agitation during the period 
preceding the Civil War, the commercial and industrial activities of the people 
of the State had by no means been prostrated. The larger cities had rapidly 
absorbed the population moving from Europe as well as from the rural com- 
munities. The dirt roads, imcurbed and ungraded were supplanted by paved 
roadways, corporations for supplying water to municipalities were organized, 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 91 

while gas light companies, incorporated l)ct\veen 1850 and i860, were supplying 
many cities and towns, among them being Atlantic City, Bordentown, Bridge- 
ton, Burlington. Canulcn. Elizabeth. Freehold, Jersey City. Millville, Morris- 
town, New Brunswick, Newark, Orange, Paterson, Plainfield, Princeton, Rah- 
way, Salem, Somerville and Trenton. Omnibuses and horse railroads had 
facilitated the movement of passengers, while the railroads had greatly extended 
their suburban service. The police, fire and sanitary departments of the larger 
towns and cities were in process of evolution from embryonic types. 

in the country, vast changes had taken place. I'\'\\ were the farms where 
the "standard of living" had not advanced. The farmer ate his meals in rooms 
separate from the kitchens, partaking of food prepared upon cook stoves. Car- 
pets covered his bare floors, while one of the recently invented sewing machines 
appeared in the "sitting-room." Perha])s under his sheds stood a sample of 
the three thousand harvesters sold in 1830. while along the highways was a line of 
low telegraph poles connecting Philadelphia and New York. While going 
to the post office, if it rained, he wore one of the Goodyear "vulcanized" rubber 
coats, which protected him and his mail, the letters of which were "prepaid," 
as was indicated by the adhesive stamp upon the envelope. 

Labor-saving and time-saving devices, most of which, owing to the near- 
ness of the large cities, early appeared in use in some part of the State, and 
whether in country or in city, the employnunt of such devices has indicated the 
industrial progress of New- Jersey. 

From peace the nation was soon plunged in war, and the part New Jersey 
took in the fratricidal struggle is worthy of consideration. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

THE YEAR i860. 




HE advent of the year i860 found no human power able to avert the 
conflict into which the nation was so soon to be phniged. Tem- 
porizing had but delayed the declaration of hostilities between the 
North and South; a war was inevitable. Argument, persuasion, 
threat and compromise had all been tried and found wanting. No futile at- 
tempts to adjust, by congressional action, the differences between the states 
would avail, for beneath all superficialities lay economic and ethical considera- 
tions, which were by no means the outgrowth of environment, but which were 
inherited from those generations who lay sleeping in the dust. 

Outwardly, the extension of slavery in new territories was the cause of the 
Civil War, but this was by no means the sole cause. The abolition movement 
had grown with the years, but the policy of absolutely releasing the negro 
from bondage, had failed to win uncjualified support even in New England 
and in those states of the Mississippi valley where her influence had been pro- 
jected westward. It was argued that if the slave-holding states desired to per- 
petuate their policy, tliey were at lilDcrty to do so, provided they did not attempt 
the extension of the plan in commonwealths where the settlers desired "free soil.'' 
Ere the war began, ethical considerations as to slave-holding had no prepon- 
derance, and were but agencies that tended toward an end. 

The South, unquestionably, in tlie realization of her possibilities had been 
greatly retarded by the plan of slave ownership. While the North and North- 
west had prospered, the Southern states had failed to develop their mines, clear 
their forests or mutliply their lines of transportation. I^lantation life had led to 
static social conditions. The census of i860 showed 4,000,000 negro slaves 
and 8,000,000 free whites between the Rio Grande and the Delaware. In the 
North there were were but sixty-four slaves, of whom eighteen were in New 
Jersey, the remainder being in Kansas, Nebraska and Utah. Upon the other 
hand the white population in the Northern states amounted to 18,800,000. with 
226,000 free blacks. 

The North had learned to dignify labor; the South had relied upon those 
who were held in Ixindage. ■ 

Economic mistake.s of a nation, however glaring in the light of subsequent 



lIlSTom' ()!• XI'-.W JERSKV. 93 

events, arc usuall\ nut wilful. In her advucacv of slave-lmldiiii;-. liuwevcr mis- 
taken and <lisastt"t)us tlu' ]iulicy may liaw been, the South was sincere. She 
claimed the right to keeji men in ijondage. the right to extend the system, the 
right to enunciate the doctrine of secession, and it was only by the bitterest les- 
sons that she was shown the errors of her policy. 

In .\i)ril. i860, the Democratic party assembled in convention in Charleston. 
Scarce had the delegates met ere a division occurred between the .X'orthern and 
Southern rejiresentatives. The Xorthern element was in control of the body, 
and at once ]iroposed that questions regarding the rights of propert)' ari.-ing im- 
(ler the Federal Constitution in states or territories were judicial, and that the 
Democratic party pledged itself to abide Ijy and carry out the determination of 
these questions made or to be made by the Supreme Court of the United States. 
This ])roposition was inmiediately rejected by the extremists of the Southern 
minority who declared that Congress nor territorial legislatures had ])ower to 
abolish slavery in the territories, nor to ]irohihit the introduction of slaves 
therein, am! that the I'ederal ( iox-i-rnnient nnist protect slavery wherever "its 
constitutional authority extends." 

The die was cast. The extreme Southern wing withdrew from the conven- 
tinu, the majority later adjourning to Baltimore. .XiKJther convention resulted, 
and the few .Southern men in ;Utrndance. with some .Xorthern delegates again 
withdrew. The so-called ■'regidar'" delegates nominated for President and 
\'ice-I'resident. Stephen A. Douglass and Herschel \'. Johnson. The Charles- 
ton and llaltimore seceders placed in nomination John C. Breckinridge for 
President and Josej)!] Lane for \'ice-l'resident. 

There suddenl\- arose an organization known as the Xational Constitutional 
L'nion parly, which in a convention com])osed of "tild line" Whigs, Xative .Ameri- 
cans, and disaffected Democrats, nominated John Hell for President and Ivl- 
ward Everett for Vice-President. This party declared for the l-'ederal Consti- 
tution, union of the states and enforcement of the laws, and immediately disin- 
tegrated, resolving itself into its constituent elements. Bell joining the Confed- 
eracy and I-lverett becoming a Rei)ublican leader in Massachusetts. 

The Kei)ublican party met in Chicago in .May and jilaced in nomination 
.\braham Lincoln for President, and Hamn"bal Hamlin for \ice-i*resident. The 
parlv platform insisted upon free soil for the territories, declared for the admis- 
sion of Kansas as a free state, reputliated the Dred Scott decision, stated that 
the partv liad no sym])athy with any policy that interfered with slavery in the 
states, and assented to the Democratic demand that a railroad be built to the 
Pacific Coast. 

The election in Xew Jersev was one of intense excitement. The .Senate, in 
i860, was Democratic. There were thirty D-in'Mrats, twenty-eight Reinibli- 



94 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

cans and two "Americans" in the House of Assembly. The Governor was Re- 
pubHcan. The Democrats, however, held the State by "Fusion" methods, 
winning by a majority of four thousand five hundred. Three Douglass elec- 
tors and four Lincoln electors were chosen, while the highest vote cast for a 
Breckinridge elector was fifty-six thousand. 

The close of the year found sentiment in New Jersey divided upon questions 
of public policy. The Republican party in the State, embracing every element 
of the older, disorganized political associations, together with some Demo- 
crats, leaned toward war. But the party did not present an even front. Some 
of its Whig adherents had themselves been slave owners in New Jersey, while 
yet practically every other Northern State was "free soil." Others who were 
largely of the Societ\' of Friends, deprecated the resort to arms, and urged com- 
promises, or gradual abolition. The Democrats embraced many men who 
were ready to fight and did fight, as the rosters of the New Jersey regiments 
show, but who, in i860, considered that a solution of the problem was yet prob- 
able. It was believed that Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, "Uncle Tom's 
Cabin," overestimated the true situation for the securing of dramatic effect. 
Some, who were inclined to take a philosophical view of the situation, quoted 
Claiborne's "Life" of General Quitman, published during the year. Herein 
it was contended that racial hatred having died out in the South, the slave as a 
permanent fi.xture, as an hereditary heirloom, and as a human being with an 
inmiortal soul, occupied a relation to his owner approximating that of guardian 
and ward. Public opinion more powerful than law, would condemn to execu- 
tion and infamy a cruel master, as interest taught the slave-holder it would 
be wise to cherish what was to be the permanent means of production and profit, 
while religion exacted the humane and judicious employment of the "talent" 
conunitted to the care of the South. 

There were in the .State a small unorganized minority ])arty which openly 
sympathized with the South. This element was by no means confined to the 
Democrats, who, as a party, were roundly abused by the opposition press for al- 
leged disloyalty. 

South Carolina precii^itated the crisis by announcing upon the 20th of De- 
cember, i860, that she by her Ordinance of Secession held herself to be a "sov- 
reign free and independent" nation. The enunciation of this doctrine was un- 
mistakable. The administration, under President Piuchanan. had pronuilgated 
the political doctrine that while no state had the right to secede, the government, 
if she did so, was powerless to enforce her return to the union. 

Even while Anderson had cut the fiag staff on Fort Moultrie, and had 
sought refuge in the precincts of Fort Sumter, the jioliticians in Congress, led by 
Senator John J. Crittenden, of Kentucky, still cried "Compromise" and "Peace." 



]llS'r( )\i\ ()!• XI-AV IKRSKY. 



95 



Not a day passed hut a score of tentative ])lans were iirf,a-d by Deinoerats and 
Republicans alike. Maryland and ( )lii(i had already acccjXed an amendment 
to the Federal Constitution, which |)rovi(led that Congress should have no 
power to abolish or interfere within any state, with the domestic institutions 
thereof inchidino that of persons held tn labor or service by the laws of said 
states. This jiroposition was not distasteful to President-elect Lincoln, and 
was quite acceptable to the conservative Repui)licans as well as to most of tiie 
Democrats of New Jersey. 

The issues that were presented at the o])ening of tiie war were clearly de- 
fined. 

The South contended that .Xorthern voters refused to recognize the domestic 
institution of slavery, which pre-existed the formation of the Cnion. — tiicir slave 
property which was guaranteed by the Federal Constitution. The "personal 
liberty laws" of some of the free states constituted a cause for se])aration, while 
as a broad, and then unwarranted assumption the Soiuhern ])eo])le believed the 
election of President T.incoln meant (he abolition of slaverw 

The North held that two republics could not exist u])on hederal soil, for 
if the logical sequence of the doctrine of state sovereignty were recognized, states 
could secede, until each commonwealth became a repuijlic. The fundamental 
principle of all democratic forms of government, rule iiy will of the majority, 
would thus become a mere fiction, and the power of society become lost. 

The power of the South lay in the fact that, acting physically upon the de- 
fensive, she was also a unit in sentiment. liUo the whirling vortex of Southern 
enthusiasm, of mistaken, though sincere conviction, were drawn botii the apa- 
thetic and luke-warm. While the North vainly essayed compromises, the South 
was preparing for war. and although well nigh heli)less upon the seas, had fitted 
herself for contest ujion the land. 

Thus the end of the year i860 found the .\orth awakening to the full realiza- 
tion of the gravity of the situation, while the South was ready for action in the 
most stupendous war since the dawn of the Christian era. 




CHAPTER XXII. 

NEW JERSEY AND THE CIVIL WAR. 

HE inauffiiral speech of President Lincoln, upon the 4tii of Alarch. 

i86i, was the consensus of conservative opinion in the Xorth. 

He pledged himself and the party he represented, not to interfere 

with the institution of slavery in the states where it existed, that 

there would be no violence or JDloodshed. unless forced upon national authority. 

and that the power of his office would be used to hold, occup)' and possess the 

property and places belonging to the Federal Government. 

The supreme moment soon came, when quite as much as a test of the sin- 
cerity of the Presidential policy, as to wantonly commence a fratricidal struggle. 
General Beauregard, upon the 12th of April, 1861, opened his batteries upon 
Fort Sumter, one of these Federal "jilaces." Xo human act could now change 
the course of destiny. The war had indeed commenced, and Xew Jersey, in 
spite of differences of opinion as to the wisdom of resort to arms, prepared for 
the conflict. The first Presidential call for seventy-five thousand men, made 
on April 15, 1861, gave Xew Jersey a quota of four regiments of seven hundred 
and eighty men each, or three thousand one liundred and twenty-three men in 
all. Tliere were in the State about one hundred thousand men liable for mili- 
tary duty. The response was immediate. Ten thousand men vohmteered, 
many of them individually, while the banks of the State oiTered $450,000, to 
which were added munificent private contributions. In such an outburst of 
patriotic feeling, it occasioned no surprise upon the 30th of April, when it was 
learned throughout the State that the quota of Xew Jersey was complete and 
ready to march to battle 

Xor was the defense of the State's frontier neglected. Recognizing the 
immediate proximity of South and West Jersey to the slave states of Delaware. 
Maryland and N'irginia. Governor (.)lden directed the telegraph line to Cape 
May be put in working order, prepared for the organization of a maritime guard 
along the coast, and urged the patrol of the shore by armed vessels. To keep 
the Delaware River open, and establish communication with Philadelphia. Fort 
Delaware, near Salem, was re-garrisoned and rehabilitated. 

To review the part taken by the regiments and l>atteries raised by the State 
of Xew Jersey, would be to chronicle the most important battles of the Civil 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 97 

War. Jerseynien mack- for themselves immortal records, whether they lay in 
unmarked graves beneath the starry skies of the South, or came home victorious 
beneath the sliot-torn and march-stained lla.i^s nf the regiments. 

But not only u])on the field but at lnjme was the spirit of patriotisiu vig- 
orously stimulated. In the Legislature in 1861. Governor Olden was supported 
not only by the Republicans, but by the Democratic House. .\ special session 
of the two houses was called ui)on the 30tli of .April. .\cts were passed author- 
izing the cities of Newark, Trenton, Jersey City. Rahway. Camden and P.orden- 
town to issue bonds, the proceeds of the sales thereof to be devoted to the sup- 
port of families of volunteers .A .State loan of $2,ocx>,ooo was created, provi-ion 
was made for new regiments, for river and coast defenses, and for the purchase of 
arms and military stores. John Y. Foster in his "New Jersey and the Rebel- 
lion." calls attention to the character of the legislation in 1863. both houses being 
Democratic. In March of that year a resolution was ado|)ic(! which urged 
Congress to appoint commissioners to meet commissioners of the Confederacy 
"for the purpose of considering whether any, and if any. what ])lan may be 
adopted, consistent with tiie dignity and honor of the National (iovernment. by 
which the Civil War may be brought to a close." In 1862 the control of the 
State had passed from the hands of the Republican ])arty. and the Democratic 
candidate for Governor, Joel Parker, had been elected by the unprecedented 
majority of fourteen thousand five hundred and ninety-seven. 

Some of the disaffection in New Jersey was caused by the stand taken by 
President Lincoln after the battle of Antietam. which occurred upon September 
17th, 1862. The President had interpreted the logical course of events, and in 
accordance with his vow, upon the defeat of Lee, issued the preliminary "eman- 
cipation proclamation" of September 22d, 1862. Its terms ])rovided that if the 
Confederate states did not return to their allegiance before the ist of Jaiuiary, 
1863, all slaves within the Confederate lines should be fijrcver free. The second 
proclamation of emancipation followed January ist, 1863. This jiolicy was re- 
ceived in the State of .New Jersey with some misgiving as to its wisdom. There 
were also many citizens of the State who were by no means disloyal, yet who 
desired a return of jieace. These elements, together with the great popularity 
of the Democratic candidate, led to the change, and to the adoption of the 
peace resolution of 1863. 

The election of Governor Parker, while it indicated a change in the po- 
litical complexion of the State, was not in any way indicative of a feeling of <iis- 
lovaltv. While opposed to emancipation and arbitrary arrests, as was his Re- 
publican ]>redeces.sor, Ciovernor ( )l(len. the Democratic incuml)ent was regartled 
bv the Federal administration as a staunch friend of the I'liion. True, lie dif- 
fered fnmi nnich of President Lincoln's jiolicy. yet he considered the pre.serva- 

7 



98 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

tion of the Union of such supreme importance, that he buried all personal con- 
siderations. During his administration, the many bounty laws, an act increas- 
ing the war loan $1,000,000, and a statute providing for a commission to report 
as to legislative provision for wounded and disabled Jerseymen received his 
signature. He was deeply interested in the work of the "United States Sani- 
tary Commission for New Jersey," and gave frequent audiences to the municipal 
and ecclesiastical committees, which called upon him. In the movement upon 
Philadelphia, and the North, which was checked by the battle of Gettysburg, 
Governor Parker, had directed the movements of the New Jersey troops, for 
the relief of Pennsylvania, ere the regiments of the Keystone state had reached 
the scene of battle. 

As the struggle came to a close the coimtry passed through the throes of a 
Presidential campaign. The attitude of President Lincoln had estranged many 
Republicans. The extreme wing of the party accused him of lack of severity 
toward the seceding states, while a portion of the Democrats, urging that the 
war had been a failure, and desirous of peace, were bitter in their denunciations 
of the administration. The so-called "war Democrats" and administration Re- 
publicans, whose cry was "The Preservation of the Union, no matter what it 
costs," united upon Lincoln as a Presidential candidate, and named as Vice- 
President. Andrew Johnson, a L'nion Democrat from Tennessee. The extreme 
Republicans whose platform embraced Congressional reconstruction of the Con- 
federate states, confiscation of land belonging to those who had supported the 
Southern cause, and the absolute destruction of the principle of slavery, nomi- 
nated John C. Fremont for President, and General John Cochrane for Vice- 
President. These candidates later withdrew. 

The Democrats placed in nomination General George B. McClellan, after- 
ward Governor of New Jersey, and George H. Pendleton. While McClellan 
reversed the platform of his party, which called for "Peace and then Union," he 
carried the State of New Jersey by a majority of seven thousand three hun- 
dred. Lincoln, however, was successful throughout the country by a majority 
of four hundred and seven thousand. 

But the Civil War was now practically ended. The work of reconstruction 
had already been begun by the President, who, sustained, by the people, had 
scarcely entered upon his second term, when his assasination in Washington 
brought to a sudden termination the continuance of his policy of amnesty. In 
New Jersev and elsewhere throughout the North, the peace sentiment was 
gaining ground. "The South was practically crushed; why continue the strug- 
gle?" The question answered itself in the surrender of Lee at Appomatox 
Court House, and Johnson near Raleigh, Jefferson Davis, President of the 
Confederac)-, was soon ca]3tured at Trwinsville. Georgia, and in a few short days 



HISTORY OF NEW lERSEY. 



99 



tlic ContVilcracy dissolved like the hginenl of a dream. The return of peace 
was most welcome to the citizens of the State. To the few inclined to sympa- 
thize with the South, the collapse of the war was proof of the utter futility of 
arguments, designed to further secession policy. To the mass of the people 
the return of peace meant the return of i)ros])erity. While Xew jcrsev had been 
free from engagements ujion her soil, she had none the less given of her treasure 
and of the lives of her men to sustain the cause of the Union. For four long 
years her industrial activity had ceased, her energies bent upon measures of war. 
It was then, with feelings of gratitude that her people rejoiced that a struggle, so 
long protracted, had ceased forever. 

The adoption of the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth amendments to the 
Constitution of the I'nited States occasioned much debate in the Legislature of 
the State. in 1870 the House and Senate utterly rejected the fifteenth amend- 
ment, but during the next year ratified it. 

In the gubernatorial election of 1865 the Republican candidate, Marcus 
L. Ward, was elected by a small majority, while the control of the House and 
Senate was obtained by that (larty. In 1863 and 1864 both Houses had been 
Democratic. 

The State of Xew Jersey was now entering upon a career of unexampled 
enterprise. Those vast and undefinable forces which make for intellectual ac- 
tivity and material prosperity, and which characterize the termination of great 
wars, were gathering. Everywhere there were indications of growth, in the 
chartering of railroads and manufacturing corporations, in the extension of the 
powers of municipalities, in the dissemination of new ideas and theories concern- 
ing economic relations, and in the zeal with which men applied themselves to the 
rehabilitation of affairs so long neglected. This period, beginning with the 
close of the Civil War and extending to the panic of 1873, is of such interest 
as to warrant especial consideration. 



LofC. 




CHAPTER XXIII. 

THE YEARS OF INFLATION. 

R( )A1 1865 to 1873 the industrial life of the State, to a large degree, 
was formative. While the vast consolidations of capital, so char- 
acteristic of the end of the century, were yet dreams in the minds 
of men, the conditions which have tended toward the organization 
of the so-called "trusts," were active. Xo field of enterprise was neglected by 
those who sought charters from the Legislature of New Jersey. In those days 
of special privileges, there was an intense rivalry and enthusiastic exploitation. 
Thousands of men returning from the war sought for and secured peaceful oc- 
cupation, while the ever increasing torrent of emigration swept over the cities 
and into the country districts. The province of labor became more and more 
divided, capital, as represented in individuals, was vastly increased. The war, 
largely through the operation of government contracts, had made many men 
wealthy, and with labor seeking employment and capital seeking investment, 
the corporation, in the modern sense, became a necessity. In the corporation, 
men avoided the dangers incident to the laws regulating copartnerships, and 
gave to their enterprises wider scope. 

The natural tendency was toward excessive speculation. The war, as all 
wars do, had made men conservative, and then in the outward swing of the 
pendulum, had carried them to excess. All the old issues had been settled, and 
those that came to the front were new ones of an economic character, except 
that of the demand for "general amnesty," for the late secessionists. Money, 
or rather fiat money, was plentiful, and every project, no matter how chimerical, 
found supporters botli moral and financial. 

To even name the charters granted by the State of Xew Jersey from 1865 
to 1873, would be a task well nigh impossible. Every daily session of the Legis- 
lature added many to those already allowed. Nor were other states less active 
than New Jersey. The discovery of the oil fields in Pennsylvania, the perfection 
of the process for canning and preserving fruits and vegetables, the construction 
of patent pavements and improvements in locomotives and passenger coaches, 
the development of the iron and glass interests, the growth of the brick and 
pottery industry, were but a few of the causes leading to the incorporation of 
companies in Xew Jersey and elsewhere. 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. loi 

\or were the arjricultural interests unaffected by llie new corporations. For 
nian\- years a portion of the State of New Jersey, extending northeast and 
southwest from the vicinity of I'reehold to Salem Cit\', had been sending food 
suppHes to the Philadel])hia and New York markets. The natural fertility of 
the soil had been enhanced by the use of marl, which had been dug by the plan- 
tation owners since colonial times, from "pits" upon their farms. .\s early 
as 1863, the West Jersey Mail and Trans])ortation Company had provided a 
large base of supplies near Woodbury, and in less than ten years, eleven com- 
panies had completed for business in the State. Even the prosaic and neglected 
cranberry was subjected to capitalistic influence, for within a decade no less than 
forty-five companies were organized for its development in New Jersey. In 
1869 an extreme was reached, when an oyster and stock raising company was 
formed under one and the same charter. 

In the incorporation of land and improvement companies, in the erection of 
markets in the larger cities, in the construction of warehouses, docks and fer- 
ries, and in the extension of building associations, co-operative societies, the 
activity was intense. Many of these projects were exploited in the best of 
faith, and it would be as senseless as it would be unjust to charge against this 
vast body of incorporators, sinister motives. They were over zealous and mis- 
led, capital became diffused through too many liarren channels, and labor soon 
felt the evil effects of a mistaken policy, but the crash came from overproduc- 
tion rather than from wilful and persistent stock-jobbing. 

In the incorporation of railroads in this period there was a marked tendency 
throughout the State to bring the smaller towns into direct communication with 
the great cities. The Camden and Amboy Railroad, by securing control of the 
stock of minor lines, or by a practical system of absorption, had extended its 
sphere of influence throughout Central New Jersev . The West Jersey Rail- 
road virtuallv reached every town of importance in the southern part of the 
State. Under the influence of direct communication the old towns of Wood- 
bury, Salem and I'.ridgeton had been stimulated, while the remarkable growth 
of the New England settlement in \ineland attracted much attention to a long 
neglected portion of the State. In i86tj the Legislature passed an act validating 
and confirming the lease of the Morris and Essex Railroad to the Delaware, 
Lackawanna and Western Railroad, while the Xew York, Lake Erie and Wes- 
tern, and the Central of Xew Jersey, became possessed of those interests which, 
under their care, have tended so largely to develop the towns and cities in the 
northern and eastern part of Xew Jersey. 

During this period was precijiitated the agitation concerning the riparian 
lands of the State. The merits of the controversy arc still open to discussion, 
but the climax was caused by the ac(|uisition on the part of railro.i.!- of valuable 



102 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

shore front, mainly in the county of Hudson. With the increase in the voUnne 
of transportation the railroad systems which terminated in Jersey City and Ho- 
boken, needed passengers and freight stations, wharves and docks, immediately 
adjacent to the city of New York. The struggle which resulted, involving the 
State, the municipalities, private ownership and the corporations is a part of cur- 
rent histor\-, the details of which are still vivid in the minds of the people. 

Among the projects which attracted the attention of capitalists as early 
as 1850, was a plan to reach New York from the South, in competition with the 
Camden and Amboy Railroad. To this end, in 1854, the Legislature chartered 
the Raritan and Delaware Bay Railroad, and later, under various impulses, and 
as a consolidation of several more or less independent enterprises, the New Jer- 
sey Southern Railroad was organized. The route lay from Sandy Hook to 
Bricksburg (now Lakewood), thence through the "Pines" to Vineland, Bridge- 
ton and Bay Side. Here it was proposed that large steamers should convey 
freight and passengers to the State of Delaware, thence to the Chesapeake shore 
of Maryland and thence to Baltimore and the South. From Sandy Hook steam- 
ers were designed to run directly to New York City. The advent of the Civil 
War, the counteracting influence of the Camden and Amboy Company, and the 
physical ditificulties surrounding the plan, have been factors v^'hich have pre- 
vented its entire realization. 

The political life of the State during this period from 1865 to 1873, ex- 
perienced some marked changes. In 1865 the Senate was Democratic and the 
House was tied. In 1866 and 1867, both houses were Republican. In 1868, 1869, 
1870, both houses were Democratic, and in 1871, 1872, 1873 both houses were 
again Republican. In 1868, the Governorship was wrested from the Republi- 
can party by Theodore Randolph, whose successor, in 1871, was the former Gov- 
ernor, Joel Parker, whose great popularity remained unshaken. 

The Presidential contest of 1868 found the Republicans with General 
Ulysses S. Grant and Schuyler Colfax as their nominees, and a platform declar- 
ing in favor of a reduction of the national debt, the encouragement of emigra- 
tion, and the use of coin in the payment of bonds. The Democrats nominated 
Horatio Seymour and Francis P. Blair, declared for amnesty, uniform currency 
and the abolition of the system of land grants to railroads. As in 1864, so in 
1868, New Jersey declared herself in favor of the Democratic candidate by a ma- 
jority of two thousand eight hundred and seventy. 

The Presidential election of 1872 was disastrous to the Democratic party in 
the State. With the growth of new ideas, there was the immediate development 
of new parties — a characteristic of American politics, expressing clearly the idea 
of association to accomplish a given object. The Civil War had broken down 
many barriers. Not only extension of slavery, but slavery itself, was a thing 



HISTORY C)V XKW JKRSF.Y. 103 

of tlif past. The "imlustructililo uiiimi of iiidostructible states" was no longer 
an assumption, it was a reality. 'Jhc new prohlenis were national and essentially 
economic in character. The "Green back" or "( Jhio" idea had swept in from 
the middle West; from 1865 to 1870 National Labor Congresses iiad met; the 
restriction of emigration of the Chinese agitated the Pacific Slope, while the 
ethical cjncstion of prohibition of the liquor traffic assumed formidable pro- 
portions. Added to this the Republican and Democratic parties were divided. 
The death of Lincoln and the failure to carry out his plan of reconstruction upon 
broad and permanent lines, had produced much bitterness in the South. The 
schemes adopted by professional politicians had s])lit the Republicans in Mis- 
souri, from which arose a new party called the "Liberal Republicans." owing to 
its doctrine of more generous consideration for the Southern states. In the 
national convention of the party in 1872. Horace Greeley, of New York, and B. 
Gratz Urown. of Missouri, were nominated for President and \'ice-President, 
on a platform which for the first time in the jiolitics of the Re]niblic, declared 
for civil service reform. The Republicans, unaffected by this movement, nomi- 
nated General Grant and Henry Wilson. 

The Democratic convention then endorsed Greeley and lirown, which led 
to an irreparable breach in the party, the dissatisfied element withilrawing and 
making new nominations. 

In Xew Jersey the situation was at first coni])licate<l. The endorsement 
of Greeley, the war editor of the New York "Tribune," an extreme Republican 
newspaper, was distasteful to many Democrats, although the "Liberal Republi- 
cans" had attracted a large body of "regular" partisans. The National Labor 
party, declaring for paper money, an eight hour law, Chinese exclusion and 
the abolition of land grants to corporations, had nnniinateil Jnel Parker for the 
^'ice-Presidency. While he declined the honor, the very use of his name gave 
the partv some local, strength. The j^rohibition movement attracted attention, 
but little or no support. 

The Democratic disaffection over the noiuination of Greeley reversed the 
State, and Grant was elected by the remarkable majority of fifteen thousand two 
hundred, a majority since unequaled, except during the election of President 
McKinley in 1896. 

The inauguration of President Grant was amid the mutterings of financial 
storm, so far reaching in its consequences that to this day the "lilack I-riday" 
of September, 1873, is vividly remembered. l"nlike the panics of 1837 and 
1857, when there was a shortage of cajiital, the jianic of 1873 was due to other 
causes. While the spirit of speculation had been rami>ant in New Jersey, and 
ten companies had been engaged in exploiting a given industry, when one 
vvould have sufficed, the condition of affairs in the State, bad as they were. haO 



104 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

no parallel to the rioting with money and credit in the far West. That over- 
stimulation had its necessary reaction was well proved. Three trans-continental 
roads had been wholly or partly constructed, with scores of feeders and depen- 
dent lines. In the feverish markets of the United States and in Europe bonds 
and' stocks of these corporations had met with ready sale, in spite of the fact that 
none of them could show permanent and respectable earnings within a decade. 
There were constant defaults in interest, and at last the capitalists, gorged with 
unremuenrative securities, refused to take more. Devastating fires in Boston 
and Chicago demanded money for municipal rehabilitation, and to add to the 
discontent a contest between the farmers and the common carriers arose. The 
crash came. County banks, to aid their depositors, withdrew their money from 
city institutions, which also demanded their loans. Great banking houses fell, 
and with them the smaller institutions. Industry was paralyzed, workingmen 
were thrown out of employment, or at best worked on short hours and low 
wages. In 1873 and 1874 there were nearly eleven thousand failures, and the 
nation learned anew the lesson that he who would dance must needs pay for his 
pleasure. 

The effect in the "State was disastrous. Railroads, manufactures and the 
farmers were alike crippled. There were but few who did not feel the disasters 
which had fallen upon the nation. Municipalities which had engaged in expen- 
sive and often useless improvements were either bankrupt or were closely ap- 
proaching that condition. Everywhere were wrecks of fortunes. 

While the evil was far reaching it was not permanent. Certain changes 
occurred which modified social conditions and which are yet influential in the life 
of the State. Some of these will be discussed, in brief. 




CHAPTER XXIV. 

IN THIS DAY AND GENERATION. 

HE history of New Jersey during tlic last quarter of a century is the 
record of progress. Its details are easily accessible. The men who 
have taken part in framing the destinies of the State are not only 
alive, but are active in the administration of public affairs. Those 
whose life work has been ended have left to the world the record of many good 
deeds. To discuss policies, while yet in process of formulation, to jump hastily 
at generalizations, upon insufficient and incomplete data, is creditable neither to 
an historian nor just to those who are working out plans for the welfare of the 
State. 

There are, however, certain striking characteristics which distinguish New 
Jersey of to-day, and to these a brief allusion may be made. 

In 1875. ^'^^ Constitution of the State was amended, and in two particulars 
the changes are worthy of notice. Under its provisions the Legislature is pro- 
hibited from passing any private, local or special laws, granting to any corpora- 
tion, association or individual the right to lay down railroad tracks. It is further 
directed that the Legislature shall pass general laws under which corporations 
shall be organized. 

The first of these provisions grew out of the long continued opposition to 
the special charters granted the Camden and .\mboy Company, and incidentally 
to other common carriers. When, in 1872, the Camden and .-\mboy Company 
and its dependent lines were leased by the i'ennsylvania Railroad, a bitter con- 
test was waged in the Legislature. For several years efforts had been made to 
secure permission for a charter for an opposition railroad between Philadelphia 
and New York. The plan had been defeated and it was not until the constitu- 
tional amendment was adopted that the new road, now a part of the Philadelphia 
and Reading system was built. 

In res])onse to the provision abolishing special charters for corporations, 
the Legislature passed, in 1875, a general corporation act which has btiii since 
revised, and which has so largely attracted capital to the State 

Within the period there has been no abatement of that interest which ttie 
State has exercised toward its criminals, and its defective, dependent and de- 
lin(|uent wards. The State prison, the hospitals for the insane near Trenton and 



io6 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Morristown, the homes for deaf-mutes, for feeble minded women, children and 
epileptics, with several industrial institutions, have been continued or established. 
A parole law for prisoners has met the good purposes designed. 

In the development of her agricultural and horticultural interests, New Jer- 
sey supplies to a large extent the markets of New York and Philadelphia. With 
diversified soil and varying climatic conditions, her agricultural "seasons" for 
fruits and vegetables are protracted. The soils of Cape May produce crops 
similar to those raised in southern \'irginia, the period of vegetation embrac- 
ing the same months in the ^-ear. The "season" for crops in Sussex county 
is conditioned upon the same influences afTecting western Massachusetts. In 
other words the flora of the State is both Carolinian and Appalatchian in char- 
acter, the same being true of the fatma. In no other state in the Union is so 
wide a range noticeable. 

In mining the mineral deposits of the region north of the Raritan have been 
developed to a remarkable degree. Every mineral of conmiercial value, except 
coal, has been found in more or less abundance, and most of the deposits are 
commercially available. 

In fishing, the oyster industry has received the most encouragement, and 
will, under proper state regulations, become of the greatest value to the citizens 
of New Jersey. 

Thus has the State developed from humble beginnings. Broadly, we have 
noted the settlements of the Dutch and Swedes, have traced the influence of 
church and state, with the coming of the English, and have glanced at the most 
salient economic conditions in colonial life. The struggles of New Jersey in 
the Revolution, the part taken by New Jersey in the Confederation and the rise 
of democracy have demanded our attention. Following the growth of transpor- 
tation and manufactures, we saw the constitution of 1844, as a direct outcome of 
the period of political and social unrest. Then came the impending conflict, 
the Civil War and the period of inflation, until within the memory of the present 
generation we cease our labors with the adoption of the Constitution of 1875^ 

The history of New Jersey needs no telling, that her loyal sons may be ap- 
prised of her worth. At times hers has been a very struggle for existence, be- 
tween two colonial rivals, bearing the brunt of the Revolutionary struggle in the 
darkest days of the conflict, and striving for, and at last securing recognition in 
the Constitutional Convention of 1787. But in the darkest hours she has kept 
faith with her citizens and with the nation. 

Her errors, in justice, we may forgive; her successes, in the true pride of 
love for her noblest and highest impulses, we may delight to honor, so that we 
may say, in the quaint language of the olden time. 

"God Save the State." 



CHAPTER XXV. 

FROM SANDY HOOK TO CAPE MAY. 




HILE Other phases of the (levelo])nient of the State have been to a 
large degree evohitionary. the settlement of the New Jersey coast 
from Sandy Hook to Cape May has been almost spontaneous. 
I'rom the wind-swept dunes of Cape May, Atlantic and Ocean 
counties, and from the more fertile shore front of Monmouth county, have 
arisen towns and cities, whose growth has been little short of marvelous. The 
change has been wrought witliin the memory of men now living, who, fifty 
years ago, knew the coast of New Jersey only as a vast and lonely sweep of tide- 
washed strand. 

The shore front of Xew Jersey presents two striking characteristics. \\ ith 
the long, gaunt finger of Sandy Hook pointing northw-ard into the Atlantic, the 
coast lies nearly north and south. Immediately south of the Hook, the main- 
land of Monmouth county, fertile to the ocean's edge, faces directly upon the sea, 
in blufTs fifteen to twenty-five feet in heighth. The beach is narrow, dipping 
rapidly. Upon the north bank of Shark Kiver the bluffs become lower, the 
mainland, however, extending to the water's edge. Passing south, no marked 
change is noticed until Bay Head is reached — and there begin the island beaches 
of South Jersey. At once the character of the coast line changes. Hence to 
Cape .Mav are a succession of islands of sand, dune-crowned, separated by deep 
and narrow inlets, often changing in size and in shape and forming liufFers for 
the waves of the .Atlantic, which beat upon the gently sloping strand. To their 
west lie broad low marshes, penetrated by thoroughfares which widen into 
broad and shallow bays. Still further to the west the mainland, with its 
forests of oak and i)ine. dotted with hamlets and villages, forms the l)arrier of the 
marshes. 

Taking the coast of Xew Jersey at its actual value, in other words judge it 
bv its producing capacity, the beaches are worth no more to-day than they were 
in colonial times. Previous to 1800, even in most in.stances, until much later, 
the beach front and the marshes were useful for but few purposes. The Mon- 
mouth shore was cultivated to the sea. and was early occupied by settlers. 
The land was fairly productive, but was subjected to the sweep of "northeasters" 
and the constant action of salt air — injurious to many crops. The islands were 



108 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

first purchased by the settlers on the main land, who pastured cattle and sheep 
on the beaches of Cape May, previous to 1700. Long Beach was the home 
•of whalers, who also kept their cattle on the strand. From the marshes hay, 
particularly "three square" and "black grass" was scowed or carted to the main- 
land, while from the bays and inlets fish for immediate use and for salting were 
caught. Game was also abundant. Long Beach, Peeks Beach, Learning's 
Beach and Five Mile Beach were partially timbered with red cedar, oaks, hol- 
lies, sassafras and gums. This wood was early used for ship building and 
domestic purposes. From time to time, primitive salt works, operated under 
solar evaporation processes, were erected on the islands. In colonial and Revo- 
lutionary days there was no permanent population upon the beaches, although 
cabins built of slabs and roofed with sedge, or "dug-outs" on the leeward of high 
dunes, afforded shelter alike to the "Pine robber" or the honest fisherman. 

The opening of the 19th century found two resorts upon the New Jersey 
coast — Long Branch and Cape May. These two little communities struggled 
for prominence for several years, but theirs was a far cry that echoed down the 
first half century of their existence as "sunmier resorts." Long Branch was 
first recognized as a watering place in 1788, when, according to Watson in his 
"Annals of Philadelphia," Elliston Perot, of that city, as well as others, boarded 
with an old woman who had charge of the White estate, confiscated during the 
Revolution. Cape May, or as it was formerly and properly called, Cape Island, 
came into recognition about 1795, when Philadelphians first began the discussion 
of its merits. At the outbreak of the second war with England, Cape Island 
was first advertised, a hotel was erected and visitors came mainly from the 
Delaware valley — attracted by the beach — undoubtedly the finest in the world. 

During the first half of the century, or, in fact, until the outbreak of the Civil 
War, both Long Branch and Cape May enjoyed a monopoly of the sea-shore 
travel. Naturally Long Branch came more and more under the influence of 
New York: Cape May was largely dependent upon Philadelphia, Baltimore and 
the South, and the far Southwest for her patronage. In the hey day of her pros- 
perity, it was no uncommon thing to see a rich planter from Georgia, Alabama, 
or even from Louisiana, drive his private coach, with negro outriders, through 
the streets of the conservative, old pilot-town, or for one to meet in the hotels 
the famous men of the century. 

Cape Mav, in spite of its being the most aristocratic resort of America from 
1825 to 1850, was, nevertheless, handicapped by reason of inaccessibility. Steam- 
boat and packets from Philadelphia, and stages from Camden, a distance of eighty 
miles, were the only means of conveyance until 1863, when the Cape May and 
Millville Railroad united the town with the West Jersey system. Long Branch 
in the meantime had also developed. Steamers ran directly from New York 



IlISTokV ol' Xi:w JERSEY. io9' 

to tlu' iKi'.th :liiiri.- of Miminoiitli cnuiii\. while stayi- lines radiated toward 
every pomt. I'.ut it was luit until later that l.oiiy I'lrancli. in the |)ros])erous 
times iiilln\\ inji' the Civil War. reached the zenith of its popiilaritv. 

Ahsecon iieacli in the county of Atlantic, foresakeii by men. was destined 
to enter the lists as a y)owerftil rival of both Cape .May and I^ont; liranch. and to 
lead the way in the work of town-huildin<j upon all the island-beaches. The 
attention of men of enterprise had been directed toward .Absecon ['.each as a 
summer resort as early as 1845. Philadelphia had long since outgrown rural 
conditions. ])opiilation was rapidly congesting, the residential sections were be- 
coming overcrowded. ]jeo])le were then forming a habit so little recognized as a 
distinctive feature of modern life, but one fraught with imi)ortance — that of "tak- 
ing vacations." particularly upon the sea-shore. To Philadelphia, .\bsecon Beach 
was one of the nearest ])oints upon the New jersey coast, yet there lay between 
Camden and the new city by the sea, nearly sixty miles of forest, jiractically an 
undevelo])ed region. It recpiired courage to construct railroads a half century 
since, even between large cities, but it needed faith to build a road from Camden 
to an uninhabited beach, with no profitable de])endent territory intervening. 
Neither men with faith nor men with money were lacking. The Camden and 
Atlantic Railroad was completed in 1855, and to-day .Atlantic City, whose sum- 
mer population has risen to 1 50,000, stands unrivaled among the resorts of the 
world. 

The close of the Civil War gave rise to a remarkable conmiunity near Long 
Branch. In the wilderness the Rev. Mr. Osborne recognized the possibilities 
01 a summer home for ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church who desired 
a tem])orarv residence free from the allurements of fashion or tlie excitement of 
life in huge hotels. Ocean (Irave came into being about 1870, followed soon 
bv .Asburv Park — under the inspiration of ex-Senator Hradley — two cities whose 
methods of local government have made them distinctive. Other resorts came 
into existence. \'ast sums of money were devoted to the development of places 
such as Elberon. Como. r.elniar, I'oint I'leasant and I'.ay Mead. Not only was 
capital from .\ew York invested upon the "upper" coast, but nearly every large 
citv in .\'ew Jersey contributed to tjiis end. 

In the later "jos and the early "Sos. the imi)rovement of the island beaches 
began. P.each Haven. P.rigantine. Longport. Ocean City and Sea Isle City 
came into being, soon to be followed by .\valon, .\nglesea, WildwDod and Holly 
Beach. The influences exerted extended to the mainland. .\ear .\tlantic 
Citv. Somer's Point, whose two hundred years of existence had left it a quiet lit- 
tle town, around which clustered the memories of gallant Richard .Vomers, be- 
came attractive to visitors, while Tuckerton and I'.arnegat receive<l new impulses. 
Further north the I'.ergen Iron Works had grown into the village of P.ricksburg, 



I lo HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

and thence into the cosmopolitan town of Lakewood, where art has done so 
much to aid nature. Along the north shore of Alonmouth county men of 
wealth chose the most advantageous spots along the Rumson road, and lined the 
Lower New York Bay with superb homes from Shrewsbury to Red Bank. 

To specify the particular motives which have led a vast number of people to 
leave their permanent homes and live a while by the sea, is well nigh impossible. 
Undoubtedly the congestion of population in large centers, city heat and the 
dictates of fashion are of prime importance. The preservation of good health, 
particularly in the case of children, and a desire for change, so characteristic of 
the American people, are other considerations. But whatever may be the 
causes, it is certain that eight lines of steam railroads, a half dozen connecting 
trolley roads, and a half score steamboat routes lead to towns whose main, if 
not only reason, for existence is the ability to gratify and satisfy popular desires, 
the main aims of which are health and pleasure. 

Beaches, which to-day are sold for as much a square foot as they were once 
worth a square acre, have been covered with costly buildings, have been con- 
verted into cities. The end is not yet. Even the leveled sand dunes cannot 
sustain the pressure, and mud from the bays and inlets has been pumped upon 
the nearby marshes to be converted into building lots. In the growth of New 
Jersey's sea-shore towns, one reads a story of activity and enterprise, as vast 
and as real as any development ever undertaken in the middle West. It is a story 
typical of that energy which has made the close of the century an epoch in the 
world's history. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES. 




r was (luriiio^ 1662 in tlic 1 )iiti.li village o{ P.ergeii. lying opposite 
Now Aiiistcnlaiii. that the tirst school, of which authentic record 
exists, was erected within the limits of the State of New Jersey. Of 
this institution of learning, Engelhert Steenluiysen, church clerk, 
was master, where from eight o'clock in the morning until eleven in the fore- 
noon, and from one o'clock until four o'clock in the afternoon, he taught read- 
ing, writing and spelling, and even arithmetic when the maturity of the child- 
mind permitted such an intellectual i)ursuit. 

In the fortified Umu of .\"ew .\nisterdam. where the activities of the Dutch 
settlements in New Jersey centered, the Collegiate Church School, in which re- 
ligious was largely intcrmi.xed with secidar instruction, had heen founded as 
early as 1633. Fourteen years later, hlufif, obstinate Director I'eter Stuyvesant 
wrote to Holland asking for a "pious, well (|ualitied and diligent schoolmaster;" 
while, in 1658. a Latin school in Xew York, under the administrations of Dr. 
Curtius and the Rev. .\egidius I.uyck. attracted students from far away Vir- 
ginia, from .Albany and from the settlements on the Hudson and the Delaware. 

Nor had the Swedes on the South River neglected educational aflfairs In 
their churches at Tinicuni, Xew Castle, Christina and Wecaco. tradition and 
record show that the minister was also a school master, or had an assistant who 
performed such duties, while acting as clerk, reader and comforter of the sick. 
Such was the custom in Sweden, and as Wickersham jioints out, this educational 
policy was undoubtedly transferred to the Zuydt Rivere. The Swedes prac- 
tically abandoned by the home government, were soon lel't to their own re- 
sources. In the struggle for existence the church-schools became feel)le in 
their influence. 

With the advent of the Knglish in F.ast Jersey, the school became a ])art 
of the life of nearlv every town. In 1664, (lovcrnor Carteret's charter, granted 
to Bergen, provided for a church and "free school." supported by a tract of land 
exempt from taxes or other charges. Woodbridge. in Urfx^. in her charter, was 
empowered to sustain a school from the i)rocce(ls of certain land "set apart for 
education." while in 1676 Newark rejoiced in a well-qualified schoolmaster. 

In October. 1^03. the Legislature of F.ast Jersey enacted a slatm. ulu.b 



112 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

in view of the fact that "the cultivation of learning and good manners, tends 
greatly to the good and benefit of mankind," provided for the choice, by the 
people, of three men to make a rate and establish a school master's salary. Un- 
der this, and a subsequent law, schools became somewhat numerous through- 
out the colony, although but few, if any, records of the institutions are extant. 

The strong influx of Calvinistic elements into East Jersey, from both ( )ld 
and Xew England, brought, to the colony, the church and the school house. The 
two were inseparable, often to be found in one and the same building, or at least 
side by side, and earnestly supported by the people of the community. 

In West Jersey, during the administration of colonial affairs by the So- 
ciety of Friends, the school master was encouraged by the members of the meet- 
ings. In 1682, within three years after the actual settlement of the colony, 
the Assembly in Burlington passed an act whose design was to "encourage 
learning for the better education of youth." It provided that a valuable tract 
of land situated in the Delaware, above Burlington, and known as ^latinicunk 
Island, "remain to and for the use of the town of Burlington * * * for 
the maintaining of a school for the education of youth." The revenues, managed 
by trustees, derived from a part of this Island, are still devoted to the purpose 
intended. This is probably the oldest trust fund of an educational character 
now existing within the limits of the United States. 

There then dwelt within the colony of West Jersey a certain Thomas Budd, 
Quaker and author, in 1685, of a rare work entitled in part, "Good Order Es- 
tablished in Pennsylvania and Xew Jersey in America." In this brochure 
Budd suggested a plan of education in West Jersey, which, except for the cjuaint- 
ness of the language, leads to the suspicion that mayhap some highly extolled 
educational theories are not exclusively of modern origin. 

As to compulsory education Budd suggested that provincial legislatures 
should pass an act requiring all children to attend "the publick school" for seven 
years. Schools should be provided in all towns and cities, and "persons of 
known honesty, skill and understanding be yearly chosen ])y the Governor and 
General Assembly to teach and instruct boys and girls." The curriculum em- 
braced reading and writing "true English and Latin * * * and fair writ- 
ing, arithmetick and bookkeeping." 

Xor was manual training neglected. The boys were to be instructed in 
"some mystery or trade as the making of mathematical instruments, joynery, 
turnery, the making of clocks and watches, weaving and shoe making." The 
girls were to be taught "spinning in flax and wool, the knitting of gloves and 
stocking, sewing and making of all sorts of needle work, and the making of 
straw work, as hats, baskets, etc." Budd also recommended seyenth day after- 
noon (Saturday) religious meetings be kept for bo)s and girls, but with the se.xes 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. rij 

separate and apart, that the "children will he hindered of rnnnin-; into that ex- 
cess of riot and wickedness that yonth is incident in. and they will he a comfort 
to their ten.ler parents." Hut in spite of these efforts made to advance the cause 
of learniuji,'. there was a retrograde movement noticeable in both colonies after 
1702. The missionaries of the Society for the Propagation of the (lospel in 
Foreign Parts, report that many persons in Xew Jersey were ignorant, and 
while the congregations among the Dutch, as well as the Presbyterians. Haptists, 
Episcopalians and Quakers were zealous in the advocacy and support of schools, 
even the,-e ixiwerful inlliunces failed to create a popular interest. This senti- 
ment was by no means unnatural. Without libraries or newspapers, imstiniu- 
lated, suffering in the moil and toil of colonization, the desire for intellectual 
improvement was c|uenclied. In the long-ago, when bounties were offered for 
the heads of woKes, and when deer, in severe winters, came to the barn-stalls 
of the cattle for feed, when the days were given to labor and the nights were 
unilluniinated, culture of the mind, e.xce]n in the matter of daily observation, 
nuist need bide its time. 

The colonial schools, whether quasi-]nd)lic, (|uasi-ecclesiastical or under 
the control of some wealthy jilantation owner or mercltant, were crude in archi- 
tecture, ill-ventilated and usually little more than a square log or slab-sided 
building erected at some convenient ])oint along a coimtry road. The master 
ruled with an iron hand, and held in contempt all methods of instruction, except 
those devised by himself. Frequently the teacher knew but little more than 
his scholars. Those who taught did so without any authority from the colonial 
government, and were usually "itinerants," either from Xew or Old England, 
from Scotland or from Ireland. That there was a demand for school teachers 
is shown by fretiucnt advertisements in the contemjjorary newspapers. .Among 
the "redemptioner" class were to be found a few men announced as (jualitied to 
teach school, and whose "time" was "i)urchascd" by some public spirited man 
in the conuiuuiity that the cause of "learning and polite manners" be thereby 
advanced ! 

.\dventurers swarmed over the province, men who drank, gambled, con- 
tracted nuiaway marriages, fought duels and otherwise corru|)tt(l the morals 
of the colonv. Many of these set themselves u]) as teachers, thus securing 
homes and a stipend. Their flashy manners and glib tongues easily led astray 
the good sense of the unsophisticated. I^o j-otent did the evil become that in 
1758 ( iovernor P>ernard was instructed by the home authorities to prohibit any 
Englishman from teaching school in the jirovince of .\ew Jersey, except the ap- 
plicant show license from tlie ilishop of London. .Ml othir persons were rc- 
<|uired to secure the < Jovernor's license — a regulation more honored in t!ic 
breach than in the observance, Thi^ is uidoubtnlh ilu llri ir.siance in Xe-; 
8 



114 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Jersey of an attempt to fornuilatL- a policy of public instruction by restric- 
tive action on the part of the general government. 

Lotteries played an important part in the establishment of schools. The 
close relationship established between the churches and their schools, led to 
the use of this method of securing money for the erection of both. Underlying 
many of the churches of the colony, and nearly all the schools attached thereto, 
was the authorized lottery. As a readily cited example, under such an impulse, 
in 1753. a school was erected by lottery upon the lot of the First Presby- 
terian church in the then village of Trenton. The extension of the Dutch 
influence along the valleys of the Raritan, Passaic and Hackensack, saw school 
houses erected in most of the villages in which the religion of the Hollanders 
was dominant. 

This condition of lack of governmental control existed throughout the 
period of the Revolution. There was absolutely no uniformity in the system 
of instruction, nor was there any attempt to secure financial aid from the colony 
or state. .A.s early as 1783 "An act for the promotion and encouragement of 
literature" was passed, while in 1794, a statute provided for the incorporation 
of trustees, not exceeding seven, who were empowered to organize societies for 
the advancement of learning. Under this act several academies, some of 
which are still existent, were organized, while others received special charters. 
Among these institutions were the academies at Hackensack and Trenton, while 
later, academies were estalilished in F)elleville, Bridgeton, Newark and Pater- 
son. 

The movements that led to the organization of the public school system 
of New Jersey, as pointed out in Dr. David Murray's "History of Education in 
New Jersey," began as early as 1803. In that year there was reprinted in 
Trenton, an edition of President Jeiiferson's "Notes," wherein for Mrginia, he 
urged a three-grade system of public schools. Among men in New Jersey to 
whom Jefferson's arguments appealed with great force, was James Parker, of 
Perth Amboy, then a man of about thirty years of age. Between 1806 and 
181Q, Mr. Parker, e.xcept for one year, represented Middlesex county in the 
House of .\ssembly, and during that period frecjuently itrged the cause of pop- 
ular education. Defeated in his attempt in 1809, owing to the cries of "pa- 
ternalism" and "poverty," he renewed his efTorts in 1813. In 181 1 the State, 
in chartering certain banks, had reserved to itself the right of subscribing to a 
moiety of the capital stock of those financial institutions. In 1812 it was decided 
that the State's right should be sold, and from the large sum realized, Mr. 
Parker urged the appropriation of $50,000 toward the establishment and sup- 
port of free schools. The plan being defeated, Mr. Parker, who, by this time 
had secured influential friends, re-championed the cause, and upon the 5th of 



HISTORY t)l' XI':\V JERSEY. M5 

Eebruary. 1817, there was introduced "An act to create a fund for the support 
of free schools." which passed the House of .Assembly on the 1 ith of that month, 
and Council ui)on the foUo\vinf,r day. The statute was hedtjed in by a pnn-ision, 
later adopted in the Constitution of 1844, that the school fund was to be sacredly 
devoted to the purposes intended, and not subject to legislative borrowing, ajipro- 
priation or use for any other object. In 1820 townships were authorized to 
raise money for educating; poor children. The .Xnurican I'.ible and .\ew Jersey 
Missionary Societies also engagcil in an educational i)ropaganda which included 
the building of schools, the hiring of teachers. These organizations employed 
an agent to gather statistics concerning illiteracy in the State, and to arouse 
public sentiment. 

Meetings were held throughout Xew Jersey, a series of contributions ap- 
peared in the Newark "Sentinel of Freedom." and in the latter part of 1828 a 
meeting "of the friends of education" was lield in the State Capitol. In a 
widely circulated report the data for which was secured by Chief Justice Charles 
Ewing, Canal Commissioner John Xeely Simpson, and United States Senator 
Theodore Frelinghuysen, as well as by local sub-committees, most of the coun- 
ties were treated in detail. 1-Vom this report it is learned that in 1828, Morris 
probably enjoyed more than any other county "the advantages and blessings of 
education." It was a lamentable fact that there were in .Xew Jersey no less 
than twelve thousand chiUlren destitute of instruction, while to remedy the gen- 
eral evil of incompetent instructors, a member of the Essex county sub-commit- 
tee recommended the establishment of a Xormal School. 

The effect of this report w-as immediate. In 1829 a law establishing a sys- 
tem of common schools was passed, which proving defective was afterward re- 
pealed and supplanted by better legislation. 

In 1846, during the period of great intellectual activity and advancement, 
the office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction was created: in 1854 
teachers' institutes were authorized, while in 1855 the Normal School, after 
years of agitation, received legislative sanction. Uy degrees the school system 
of Xew Jersev was broadened. .\t tir.st, confined to but few favored localities, 
the school houses have at last reached every connnunitv. W'itii the vast income 
derived from the revenues of the ri])arian lands of the State, sustained by en- 
lightened public sentiment, and encouraged by moral and financial su])port. the 
public schools have made the assertion possible that within a (juarter of a century 
illiteracy will be practically unknown in the State of Xew Jersey. 

Largely to the inriuence of the iVesbyterian church is honor due for the 
organization of the College of Xew Jersey, now I'rinceton Cniversity. Early 
in the 18th century, the evangelical William Tennent had established in Xc- 
shaminv, lUicks county. IVnn.sylvania. a building called ])artly in derision, and 



ii6 HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

wholly in truth. "Log College." Thence departed those who afterward 
became exemplars in the secular and religious life of the colonies. lly 1740, 
the Calvinists in Xew Jersey had lost much of their old time fervor. There 
were, in the Presbyterian Church, two elements divided upon three questions. 
These points of difference, as recently delineated by the Rev. John DeWitt, of 
the Princeton Theological Seminary, were upon the value of religious experi- 
ences: of preaching designed inmiediately to call forth religious confession, and 
the learning requisite for admission to the ministry. Cpon one side stood the 
"Log College" men, upon the other the conservative element. The contest be- 
came most personal, and was only intensified by the visit of George Whitefield, 
the revivalist, who vastly stimulated the efforts of the "Log College" or "New 
Light" partisans, who were evangelistic. 

The College of New Jersey was one of the results of this separation. In 
the more liberal view, which opened to the leaders of the Presbyterian move- 
ment in Xew Jersey, they saw, even dimly, the ultimate need of an institution 
of a broader character than any then existing outside the limits of Xew Eng- 
lanil In 1746 a charter, unfortunately lost, was granted, while a second one 
was issued under the (Jreat Seal of the colony in 1748. In this connection a 
copy of a most interesting letter has been furnished by ^Ir. \\'illiam R. Weeks, 
of Xewark, showing the status of intellectual life in the colony. It was for this 
purpose that Governor Jonathan Belcher, of Xew Jersey, wrote the following let- 
ter to his cousin, Mr. William r.elcher, of England: 

"Sr — This is a tine Climate and a Countrey of great plenty tho' but of 
Little profit to a Governour. The inhabitants are generally rustick and with- 
out Education. I am therefore attempting the building of a College in the 
Province for Instructing the youth in the Principles of Religion in good Lit- 
erature and Manners and I have a Reasonable \ iew of bringing it to bear. 
"Burlington N. J. "I am Sr 

"Sept 17, 1747 "Your Friend and \'ery 

"humble servant 
"AIR WM BELCHER "J. BELCHER" 

Thereafter the history of Princeton as the College of New Jersey, and as 
the University, is but the record of marvelous growth. Established in Eliza- 
bethtown. the college was removed to Newark, and in 1757 to Princeton, where 
its most historic edifice, "Nassau Hall," named in honor of William HI, of 
England, Prince of that House in Holland, was erected. This building, facing 
the old campus, was used by the British as their barracks before the battle of 
Princeton, and was nearlv destroxed bv fire in 1802. 



HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. ii; 

Riittjers College, in New llruiiswick, like the Cgllegfe of Xew Jersey, re- 
ceived two eharters. ( )ne was j^raiited to the iiistitiUion as (Jiieen's College 
in 1766. the other in 1770. .A.s in the case of the earlier I'resbyterians. the 
Dutch ministers and congregations, who took part in the movement, were di- 
vided into two i)arties. lioth the Coetus or progressive party, and the Con- 
feretitie or conservative element, agreed upon the need of an educated ministry. 
The main part in difference was the advisabilitv of separating the .American 
churches fron) those in Holland. .\s stated by the Rev. David D. Demarest, 
this involved the jiroblems of ministerial training, licensure and ordination, ])ar- 
ticularly as there were in Xew Jersey more churches than there were ministers, 
A battle royal was waged, with the result that it was decided to establish a school 
in Xew Jersey. Hackensack and Xew llrunswick contended for the prize, and 
the latter city, owing to the amount of her subscriptions, won. Until 1807 the 
career of the college was beset with difificulties, the institution remaining closed 
from I7<j5 until 1807. Thereafter the college prospered, and in 1825 its name 
was changed to Rutgers, in honor of a liberal benefactor. Colonel Henry Rut- 
gers, of Xew York City. In 1865 the Xew Jersey State College was established 
and placed under the direction of the board of trustees of Rutgers College. 

The \ear 1856 saw the foundation of Seton Hall College, under the im- 
pulses of the then liishu]) of Xewark. the Right Reverend James R. liayley. 
The institution receives its students largely from the jiarochial schools of the 
Roman Catholic church in Xew Jersey, although .Seton Hall is non-sectarian. 
The College was formally opened in Madison, and was chartered by the Legis- 
lature in 1861. In the meantime the growth of the institution necessitated 
a new site in the Orange Mountains, convenient to Xewark. but the structure 
was destroyed by fire in 1866. Xothing daunted, the buildings were once more 
erected, to be again buriu<l, in ])art. in 1886. The college was again rebuilt, 
and is now exceedingly prosperous. 

To that distinguished Jerseyman. Edwin .\. Stevens, the State nuist be ever 
grateful for the gift of land and money, from which the Stevens Institine of 
Technology at Hoboken, derives its existence. Created by Mr. Stevens" will, 
this Institute was chartered by the Legislature in 1870, and has since occupied 
a place of the highest honor amcjug like institutions througlujiit the world 

The academies and secondary schools of the State have made .\ew Jersey 
famous as an educational center. Considered by counties, a plan, followed in a 
recent monograph issued by the United States" I'.ureau of Education, .schools of 
eminence in I'.ergen. have been the liergen Columbia .\cailemy. 17(^0-1813, 
Lafayette .\cademy. 1825-1853. and the Washington Academy. I76«j-i87i. 

In I'.urlington City, as early as 1722. I'.ishoi) Talbot urged the establish- 
ment of free school, and it is greatly to the credit of the Ei)iscopalians that 



ii8 JilSTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

both St. Mary's Hall, a school for girls, founded in 1837, and Burlington Col- 
lege, for boys, chartered in 1846. were under the auspices of that denomination. 
In Mt. Holly the Lancaster system of teaching was introduced at the old 
Academy, while at Beverly is the Farnum School, preparatory to the Normal 
School at Trenton. 

Cumberland county has at Bridgeton both the West Jersey Academy, 
opened in 1854, under Presbyterian auspices, and the South Jersey Institute, 
incorporated in 1866. 

In 1792 the famous Newark .Academy was opened in Essex county, while 
a number of private institutions are located in the towns nearby. 

In Hudson county the Hasbrouck Institute, established in 1856, and the 
Hoboken Academy chartered in i860, are prominent. 

In Mercer, in the City of Trenton, was located an academy founded in 
1781, and continued until 1885. Here are established the Normal School and its 
adjunct, the Model School. Near the city, in Lawrenceville, is the Lawrenceville 
School, which is one of the three leading preparatory schools of the United 
States, and w'hich was magnificently endowed by the trustees of the estate of the 
late John C. Green. At Hightstown, Peddie Institute is located, under the au- 
spices of the Baptist Church, its endowment being largely the gifts of the late 
Thomas B. Peddie and Mrs. Peddie. of Newark, and at Pennington is a famous 
Seminary under the control of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

Monmouth county has had in Freehold, the Academy, founded in 1831. 
the Boy's Institute, established in 1847, ""^d the Young Ladies' Seminary, cre- 
ated in 1844, while Morris county has had academies in IMorristown and Suc- 
casunna, beside many private schools. 

At Somerville, in Somerset county, an academy was founded in 1801, while 
a similar institution was erected in Boimd Brook in 1800. 

In Warren county are the Blair Presbyterial Academy, at Blairstown, the 
gift of the late John I. Blair, which school was originally established in 1848, 
and the Centenary Collegiate Institute of the Methodist Episcopal Church, lo- 
cated at Hackettstown. The Institute was dedicated in 1874. 

The Theological Seminaries in the State are those of the Reformed Church 
in .\merica, located at New Brunswick, the Princeton Theological Seminary, 
the Drew Theological Seminary at ]\Iadison, and the German Theological School 
of Newark. 




CHAPTER XXVII. 

THE GREAT SEAL AND A LITTLE WAR. 

ilE Great Seal of the State of Xcw Jersey, the symbol of autliority of 
the commonwealth, has had a history replete with interest. The 
need of such a seal was recognized in the Constitution of 1776, 
which provided in its eleventh section that the ■"Council and -As- 
sembly sh^ll have power to make the great seal of this colony, which shall be 
kept by the Governor, or in his absence by the vice-president of the Council, to be 
used by them as occasion may require: and it shall be called the great seal of 
the colony of New Jersey." 

The first Revolutionary Legislature of New Jersey met in the College of 
New Jersey at Princeton, upon the 27th day of August. 1776. I'pon the 6th 
day of the following September. Council directed that two of its members meet 
with a coniniittee of the Mouse of Asesmbly. "in order to form a great seal for 
the State." The two committees met. but it was not until the 3d of ( )ctober 
that they reported the result of their deliberations. It was by them decided, 
after having "taken the Sentiments of several intelligent Gentlemen thereon," 
that Francis Hopkinson "should be immediately engaged to employ projjcr Per- 
sons at Philadelphia to jjrejjare a Silver Seal, which is to be round, of two and a 
half Inches diameter, and three-eighths of an Inch thick, and that the .Arms shall 
be three Ploughs in an Escutcheon; the Sui)porters Lil)erty and Ceres and the 
Crest a Horse's Head: these words to be engraved in large Letters round the 
Arms 7'itkliirl. "THE GRE.\T SEAL ( )1- THE STATE OF XEW JER- 
SEY." 

Pierre Eugene Du Simitiere. the artist-archeologist of Philadelphia, was 
directed by Mr. Hopkinson to design the seal. Hu Simitiere had already made 
the seal of \irginia. and was preparing for artistic execution, the seals of Geor- 
gia and Delaware. I'rom his note book it is learned that he drew tiie design 
for the .\'ew Jersey seal in India ink, during October. 177'' 

It is a strange coincidence that neither the Legislature nnr Du Sumtiere 
obeyed the strict letter of their respective authorizations. The Council and 
House committees in their resolution, substituted the word "State" for the con- 
stitutional term "colonv," while the erratic I'rench genius of Du Simitiere led 



120 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

him to place beneath the crest of the horse's head, an earl's hehnet, to introduce 
mantling, and to insert below the escutcheon "MDCCLXX\'I." 

The great seal was delivered to the State authorities upon the loth of ^lay, 
1777, and after many years of continuous usage is now lodged in the office of 
the Secretary of State in Trenton. 

The motto of New Jersey, "Liberty and Prosperity." is unsanctioned by 
legislative authority, and was first used to describe the supporters. 

In 1839, the "Great" or "Broad" Seal of the State of New Jersey, obtained 
national prominence, owing to a "singular strife," engendered upon the as- 
sembling of the 26th Congress. This was the so-called "Broad Seal War," the 
causes for which, while largely of local interest, were destined to aftect. for a 
time, the course of national legislation. 

Owing to the panic of 1837, which was then chargealile to the Democratic 
party in power, the Whigs, in the fall of that year, by a small majority, secured 
control of the House of Assembly, the Council and the Governorship. The 
slow return of prosperity in 1838, tended toward the rehabilitation of the Demo- 
cratic party and violent were the efforts made by the Whigs to retain political 
prestige. The Congressional election of that year found two tickets in the 
field, the Democratic party, represented by Philemon Dickinson, Peter D. 
Vroom, Daniel B. Ryall, William R. Cooper, Joseph Kille and jNIanning Force, 
the Whigs by John B. Aycrigg, John R. B. Maxwell, William Halstead, Charles 
C. Stratton, Thomas Jones Yorke and Joseph F. Randolph. The election was 
held upon the 9th and loth of October, the voters casting their ballots upon the 
general ticket system, and not choosing their representatives by separate dis- 
tricts. The returns showed Democratic majorities ranging from one hundred 
and fifty-nine, that of Mr. Dickinson over Mr. Aycrigg, to si.xty. that of Mr. 
Cooper over Mr. Stratton. One Whig, Mr. Randolph, secured his election 
over Mr. Force, Democrat, by a majority of one hundred and thirteen. Osten- 
sibly the delegation stood five Democrats to one Whig. The situation imme- 
diately grew complicated, owing to the assertion on the part of the Democrats 
that the Whig clerks of Cumberland and Middlesex counties had falsi- 
fied the returns. In the case of Cumberland count}-, it was alleged that 
the clerk suppressed the result in Millville township, and so tabulated the Deer- 
field township returns as to set "the seal and silence of death" npon the expres- 
sion of popular will. It was claimed that the clerk had thus changed a Demo- 
cratic majority of thirty-seven into a Whig majoritv of one hundred and sixty- 
:ine. From the county of Middlesex the Whig clerk made no return 
( f the election held in the township of South .\mboy. in which the Democratic 
majority was two hundred and fifty-two. It was also further stated that the 
Cumberland and Middlesex returns had been "held back." until the result in 



HISTORY OF XICW JERSEY. iji 

other ])arts of tin.' State was kiiDwii. In(lij,niant protests were sent to the Gov- 
ernor and Council, who met to canvas tlie resnU ujjon tlie _'4th of ( )ctoher. 
Tlic (lOvcrnor and Council were unmoved by the storm of jjojjular ihsapproval. 
refused to recosjnize a Democratic majority of three lumdred and tifty-eijjht from 
the townships of Millville and Soutii .\ml)oy. and refused, in fact, to recognize 
any Congressional election as having lieen held in those townships. 

The defense of the Governor and Coimcil to these serious charges rested 
practically upon a single pro])osition. It was that in canvassing the Congres- 
sional vote they were merely ministerial officers, that returns in legal form had 
been made from all the counties, that they had no right to go beyond the mere 
form, and that they could not amend, correct, reject or set aside such returns 
for any reason, other than informality. Under such conditions the Governor 
affixed to the certificates of election of the Whig Congressional candidates the 
"Broad Seal of the State of Xew Jersey," and immediately the scene of action 
was transferred to Washington, where, in 1839. the memorable "I'.road .Seal 
\\'ar" was l)itterly fought. 

The battle for the organization of the House of Representatives began upon 
the 2d of December, 1839. The Whig delegates from New Jersey, if ad- 
mitted, would array the House against the existent Democratic administration. 
Hugh A. Ciarland, of X'irginia. clerk of the ])revious House, in calling the roll, 
upon reaching Xew Jersey, announced that the seats of the delegates were con- 
tested. He also stated his lack of authority to decide the contest, which must 
be left to an organized House. An animated debate followed, and as (iarland 
refused to put a motion to adjourn, the members left the House. The 3d and 
4th of December were spent in useless, not to say violent debate. L'pon the 5th 
John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts, essayed the difficult task of adjusting the 
conflicting interests. He decried the policy of the clerk. Garland, and ofTered 
a resolution to the effect that the clerk call the names of those members frou) 
Xew Jersey, to whose certificates the "Great" or "I>road" seal was attached. He 
added that any member might offer an amendment, and thus bring the (|ueslion 
to issue. The (piestion was ])ut by .\dams, who was also placed in the chair 
until final organization shoidd be had. 

The House then proceeded to the election of R. .M. T. Hunter, of \ir- 
ginia, as speaker. After a ])roIonged struggle Garland was re-elected clerk, 
and the House, excluding the Whig Congressman from New Jersey, adjourned 
upon the 24tli of December. 

Thus ended the "I'.road Seal War." 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 
NEW JERSEY. 



ABRAHAM COLES, 



Widely known as a scholar, poet, philanthropist, physician and surgeon, was 
born in the old homestead of his family, at Scotch Plains, New Jersey, Decem- 
ber 26. 1813, and died during a visit to California, at the Iloted del Monte, near 
Monterey. May 3. i8(;i. He was of Scotch and Dutch descent, his ancestors 
being among the earliest settlers of New York and New Jersey. His great- 
grandfather, William Coles, had, with his wife, established himself in early 
colonial days, at Scotch Plains, and there Dr. Coles' grandfather, James Coles, 
was born in 1744. The latter married, in 1768, Elizabeth l-'razee. Their son, 
Dennis, the father of Dr. Coles, was born at Scotch Plains, in 1778. and died 
there in 1844. He was a man of general culture, rare integrity and excellent 
judgment, skilled in mathematics, a lover of polite literature, a jirinter. a pub- 
lisher, a ])olished speaker, a member of tiie State Legislature, and an accom- 
plished writer. 

Dr. .\braham Coles was educated by his parents until the age of twelve, 
when he entered the dry goods store of a relative in New York City, with whom 
he remained five years. Here he acf|uircd a thorough business education, while 
at the same time devoting his si)are time to reading and study. M the age 
of seventeen he withdrew from this business to acce|)t a position as teadier of 
Latin and mathematics in the academy of the Rev. Lewis P.ond. at Plaintield. 
New Jersey. Subsequently, for six months, he studied law in the office of Hon. 
Joseph C. Hornblower. of Xewark. and although tlie law was not to jirove his 
chosen vocation, he. during this time. ac(|uired a taste and solid foundation for 
legal studv. which he never abandoned, and which in after years was invaluable 
to him in his association with eminent jurists. .\fter reading i'.lackston's and 
Kent's Commentaries with care, and in the meantime consulting his natural 
tastes and inclinations, which drew liim strongly toward me<licinc. he chose 
the latter, and. after first attending lectures at the Iniversily and the College 
of I'hysicians and Surgeons in New York City, he entered Jefferson Medical 
College. Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1835. The 
following vear lie opened an office, as physician and surgeon, in Newark, New 
Jersey. In 1842 he married Caroline .\ckernian. daughter nf Jonathan C. and 



124 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

Maria S. Ackurnian, of Xt-w lirunswick. New Jersey. She died in 1845. 
leaving one son and one daughter. 

Dr. Coles soon won a high position in liis profession, becoming esj^ecially 
•distinguished in surgical cases, to which he was frequently called in consulta- 
tion. In 1848 he went abroad, visiting England and France, and making 
a special study of their hospitals and schools of medicine. He was in Paris 
•during the stormy days — May and June, 1848 — of the dictattirship of General 
Cavignac and the so-called French republic that followed, and, as correspon- 
dent of the Newark "Daily Advertiser," described the bloody sce^nes of which 
he was an eye witness. Returning to Xewark, he at once resumed practice. 
At this time he was regarded as the most accomplished practitioner in Newark, , 
eminent alike for his professional and literary acquirements. In 1853 and 1854 
he was again abroad, traveling extensively, studying the continental languages, 
and adding largely to his store of medical knowledge by contact socially and in 
consultation with the most eminent physicians and surgeons of Europe. 

The life, character and celebrity of Dr. Coles, eminent as he was as physician 
and surgeon, however, are chiefly associated with his literary and scholarly at- 
tainments, his published writings, and particularly his religious hymns and trans- 
lations, which have given him a world-wide reputation. He had, early in his 
professional career, been a contributor to various periodicals, but it was not until 
March 17, 1847, that his first translation of the "Dies Irae" appeared in the 
Newark "Daily Advertiser." 

This translation attracted the attention and admiration of scholars through- 
out the literary world, who pronounced it the best that had ever been made 
into English. Harriet Beecher Stowe introduced a portion of it in her Uncle 
Tom's Cabin, and Henry \\"ard Beecher had it set to music for his Plymouth 
'Collection of Hymns. 

In i8^9 Dr. Coles published, with some slight alterations, this transla- 
tion, together with twelve other versions which he had made since 1847. This 
volume, entitled "Dies Irae in Thirteen Original \'ersions," (sixth edition, 1892), 
appeared ir. the Appletons' best style of binding, and contained an introduc- 
tion, history of the h^nim, nuisic and photographic illustrations of the Last 
Judgment, by Michael Angleo, Rubens. Cornelius, and Ary Scheffer. The 
i)ook met with immediate success. "If not all of equal excellence," said George 
Ripley, in the New York 'Tribune,' it is hard to decide as to their respective 
merits, so admirably do they embody the tone and sentiment of the original in 
vigorous and impressive verse." 

In 1865 he published his first translation of the passion hynm. "Stal)at 
Mater Dolorosa." Dr. Philip Schaff. alluding to some eighty German and sev- 
eral English translations that had been made up to that time, said: "Dr. Coles 
lias best succeeded in a faithful rendering of the Mater Dolorosa. His ad- 
mirable English version carefully preserves the measure of the original." In 
1866 appeared his "Old Gems in New Settings." (third edition, 1891), in which 
manv treasured old Latin hymns, including "L'rbs Coclestis Tyon," "De Ccn— 
tcmjitn r\lundi." "\'eni Sancte Spiritus." and "\'eni Creator Spiritus," are faith- 
lullv translated. In the Following year he ])ublished his translation of ".Sialiat 
Mater Specicsa." (second edition, 189T). 

In 1866. at the centennial meeting of the New Jersey State Medical Society, 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF .\i:W JERSEY. 125 

IkIiI in Rutgers Cullcgc, Xcw lliunswick. Dr. C(j1cs, as ])rcsi<l(.Tit. n-ad liis piK-nu 
entilkd "'I he Alicrocosin," whith was inihlislKcl witli tlie proceedings of the 
Society. This poem was subsc(|i;ently (in i8i)i) pubHshed in a voknne contain- 
ing "ihe Micrccosni," (fifth edition. 1891). "Xational Lvrics and .Miscellane- 
otiv I'oenis," together with three additional versions of ■"Dies Irae." 

In 1874 lie ]nd)lished "The Evangel." (pages 400. second edition. i8i)i). 
"'Ihe pur])ose of this voliniie." said George Ripley in the Xevv York "Tribune," 
"wotdd be usually regarded as beyond the scope of poetic conijKjsition. It aims 
to r> produce the icencs of the (iospel history in verse, with a stiict adherence 
to the sacred narrative, and no greater degree of imaginative ci)lorii;g than would 
servo to present the facts in the most brilliant and imijressive light. I'.nt the 
fubject is one with which the author cherishes so profound a sympathy, as in 
son.e sense to justifx the boldness of the attempt The ( )riental cast of his 
mind alliues him to the haunts of sacred song, and produces a vital conuiumion 
v.ith the s])irit of Hebrew poetry. Had he lived ui the days of Isaiah or Jere- 
miah, he might have been one of the bards who -inught ins])iration at Silija's 
i)rook that liowed fast l)y the oracle of (Sod." 

In 1884 the Ap])letons issued Dr. Coles' poem. "The Light of the World." 
as a single volume, also bomid together with a second edition of "The Evangel." 
under the general title "The Life and Teachings of <nir Lord in X'erse." being a 
complete harmonized exposition of the four Gospels, with original notes, etc. 

.\mong the many foreign letters received by Ur. Coles, in which reference 
is made to this work, we find one from the Hon. John I'.riglu. M. P.. one from 
the Right Hon. William E. Gladstone. .M. P.. written from 10 Downing street. 
Whitihall. London, and one from Stephen tiladstone, written from Hawarden 
Rectory, Chester, England. 

The late Hon. l->ederick W. Ricord, in his memorial address before the 
New Jersey Historical Society (May 18, 1892 1. said: "Dr. Coles was a man who 
possessed and enjoyed a religion found upon the teachings of the ( )ld and New 
Testaments. It was a religion which pervaded all the recesses of his heart, 
which gave a temper to all his thoughts, which entered into all the transactions of 
his life,- — a religion of the soul, a religion of the closet, a religion which he cared 
not whether the world was cognizant of or not, never seeking to thrust it ujion 
others, or to display it as a beautiful, well-fitting garment He recognized 
("lod as a being to be worshipped, to be loved and to l)e obeyed: and he accorded 
to his neighbor the same love that he had for himself. He was, however, a 
man of strong convictions, and in religions matters those convictions were the- 
nsult of a thorough investigation by a mind well-e(iui])ped. and intlnenced in 
its labors onlv by a desire to find out the truth. So ardent and thorough a stu- 
dent of the Scriptures as he was. reading them in the languages in which they 
c.irliest appeared, he was fully able to give a reason for the f.iith that was in him. 
which was strictly evangelical." 

The late Dr. Ezra M. Hunt, and others eminent in their ))rofession were, 
before graduation, students of medicine in the office of Dr. Coles, who was 
particular to impress ui)on the memory of his hearers the danger of i)rescribing, 
lor use in the nursery, hosj.ital. ami in general practice, preparations containing 
alcohol or opium. alVirming that, although they produce effects that ditTer. they 
agree in this, that if used habitually, they alike tend, by a law as constant as 



126 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTURY UF NEW JERSEY. 

gravity itself, to establish a tyranny compared with which chains, racks, dungeons 
and whatever else go to make up the material apparatus of the most cruel 
despotism are as nothing. 

Dr. Coles was not a prohibitionist in his political sense, but as a Christian, 
physician, chemist and scientist, he taught and practiced total abstinence. In 
the light of history, the power, and the consequent responsibility of arresting 
and preventing the spread of the plague of intemperance would seem to rest, 
primarily, with the members of the medical, and secondarily, with the members 
of the clerical profession, inasmuch as without their aid other philanthropists 
have generally, if not always, failed in their efforts to effect any permanent abate- 
ment of the ravages of the disease, centuries of evidence bearing witness to the 
fact that argument is of little or no avail with those who can quote their phy- 
sician or pastor as their authority for non-abstinence. 

In 1888 Dr. Coles put forth a volume of more than three hundred and fifty 
pages, entitled, "A Xew Rendering of the Hebrew Psalms into English \'erse," 
with notes, critical, historical and biographical, including an historical sketch of 
the "French, English and Scotch metrical versions." "Dr. Coles' name on the 
title page," says the Xew York "Tribune," "is a sufficient indication of the excel- 
lence and thoroughness of the work done." 

During his travels abroad. Dr. Coles had been greatly impressed with the 
private and public parks of Europe, and as early as 1862 inaugurated a unique 
project of landscape gardening upon seventeen acres of his ancestral farm, at 
Scotch Plains, New Jersey, converting it into a park of rare beauty, adorned 
with imported statuary, and every attainable choice variety of tree and shrub 
It was named "Deerhurst," from its herd of deer. Here he had his country 
home, built of brick, stone, foreign and native woods, with its library, memorable 
alike for its architectural beauty, its "easy-chair," its works of art, and as the 
rendezvous of distinguished guests. Here the Doctor spent the last thirty years 
of his life, with his son and daughter as constant associates, the latter gracefully 
presiding over their father's establishment among literary and professional 
friends. 

While on a visit with his son and daughter to California, Dr. Coles died 
suddenly. May 3, 1891, from heart complication, resulting from an attack of 
la grippe. At the time of his decease his life and works were extensively com- 
mented upon by the press, secular and religious. Appreciatory letters were re- 
ceived by his family from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, England; 
from the Royal Society, London: from the Academy des Sciences, Paris: from 
the home of Tennyson, Isle of Wight: from the Executive Mansion, Washing- 
ton, D. C. etc. The funeral services were held in Newark, New Jersey. — the 
private services at the home of his married life, on Market street, and the pub- 
lic services in the Peddie Memorial Church, its pastor. Rev. Dr. Win. \^■. Royd. 
presiding, the Rev. Dr. Philip Schaff, by reason of the serious illness of his son, 
was prevented from preaching the funeral sermon. An address bv Rev. 
Charles F. Deems, D. D., of New York, was preceded by prayer by the Rev. 
Dr. Robert Lowry, and the singing of Dr. Coles' hymns, "Ever With Thee," and 
"All the Days." An address by George Dana Boardman. D. D., was followed 
by the singing of Dr. Coles' translation of St. Bernard of Clairvaux's hymn. 
"Jesus Dulcis Memoria." 



BIOGRAl'UKAL IIIS'K >RV ( )1- XIIW JERSEY. 127 

The Xcw jersey Historical Society attetided in a body. James Russell 
Lowell, in a sympathetic note, one of the last he wrote, said: "I regret very 
much I cannot share in the sad function of ]jall-l)earcr. but my health will not 
permit it." The jiallbearers were: Nice-Chancellor Abrani \'. \'an l-"leet, 
Judge iJavid A l)ci)ue. ex-Chancellor Theodore Runyon. Hon. Amzi Dodd, 
Hon. Thomas X. McCarter. Hon. Cortlandt Parker, Hon. A. Q. Keasbey, Hon. 
Frederick W. Ricord. Xoah Brooks. Alexander H. Ritchie, Spencer Goble, 
James \V. Schoch, William Rankin. Charles Kvte, Edmund C. Stednian, Dr. 
Ezra M. Hunt, Dr. A. \V. Rogers, Dr. S. H. Pennington, Dr. B. L. Dodd, Dr. 
J .C. Young and Dr. T. H. Tomlinson. His body was laid to rest by the side 
of that of his wife, in Willow Grove Cemetery. Xew Hrunswick. New Jersey. 

In addition to his published works, Dr. Coles, at his death, left in manu- 
scri])t. translations of the whole of I'ernard Clairvaux's "Address to the \'arious 
Members of Christ's liody Hanging on the Cross:" the whole of llildebert's 
"Address to the Three Persons of the Most Holy Trinity:" selections from the 
Greek and Latin classics, and various writings on literary, medical and scientific 
subjects. 

The titles of Dr. Coles were: .A. M . from Rutgers College: Ph. D.. from 
Lewisburg (now Bucknell) University, Pennsylvania: and LL.D., conferred in 
187 1, by the College of Xew Jersey at Princeton. 

"In the presence of several thousand peojjle an heroic bronze bust of the 
late Dr. .Miraham Coles, by John Ouincy .Adams /Ward, with its valuable and 
unique pedestal," .says the Xew York "Herald," was formally unveiled in the city 
of Xewark. Xew Jersey, July 5, 1897. 

"The base of the bust represents two large folio volumes, bearing the titles 
of the published works of Dr. Coles. These rest upon the capstone of the 
pedestal, consisting of a monolith from the Mount of Olives, which, in turn, rests 
on one from Jerusalem, beneath which are two from Xazareth of Galilee, resting 
on two stones from Bethlehem of Judea. 

"The stones are highly polished on three sides, and are very beautiful. This 
is especiallv true of the monolith from .Solomon's quarry, under Jerusalem, be- 
lieved to be like unto those used in construction of the Temple, and to which 
Christ's attention was called by one of His disciples, as He went out of the Tem- 
ple on His way to the Mount of Olives, (Mark xiii. i ). The fourth side, or back 
of each stone has, for geological reasons, been left rough, as it came frimi the 
hands of the Judean or Galilean workmen. 

"The foundation stone is a huge bowlder of about seven tons weight, 
brought from Plymouth, Massachusetts, the homelanil of the Pilgrim Fathers; 
combined with this is a portion of one of the monoliths of Cheops, the great 
pyramid of Egvpt. The memorial is surrounded by monoliths of Quincy, Mas- 
sachusetts, granite, each fourteen feet long, bolted into corner-stone posts, quar- 
ried not far from Mount Tabor, nigh unto Til.eras and the Sea of Galilee. 

"Cast in solid bronze on the front of the pedestal is a copy of Dr. Coles' 
well knovn national song of praise, 'The Rock of -Xges,* while riveted to 
Plvmoulii Rock is a solid bronze tablet containing an oft-repeated extract from a 
treatise by Dr. Coles, on law and its relation to Christianity. 

"The stones of Palestine were secured through the agency of the Rev. Ed- 
win T Wallace. .\. M., our counsul at Jerusalem. 



128 UIUGRAPHICAL HISTORY Ol' XEW JERSEY. 

"The foundation bed is cuiiiposed of ['alestine, Egyptian and Newark broken 
jitone, bound together with Egyptian cement. Imlaedded beneath the stones 
are a copy of the IJible; a complete list of the passengers of the Mayflower, with 
a sketch of their lives, from the Lioston 'Transcript;' the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, with the signers thereof: the Constitution of the United States of 
America: a list of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution; the 
new constitution and list of the members of the New Jersey Historical Society; 
list of the members of the American Medical Association: all the published 
works of Dr. Abraham Coles: some water taken from the Dead Sea by Dr. 
Coles; a stone ornament from Caesar's palace at Rome, and other objects of 
local. State and national interest. 

"On the afternoon oi July 5th, Alayor Seymour presiding, the exercises in 
Washington Park were begun," says the Newark "Daily Advertiser," "by the 
band playing and the large assemblage singing Dr. Coles' national hymn, "My 
Native Land.' the music being under the direction of John C. Day, of St. Luke's 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Letters were received from President and Mrs. 
McKinley, executive mansion, Washington, D. C: from Mce-Presi- 
dent. Garret A. Hobart, President of the United States Senate; from Ciovernor 
John W. Griggs, of New Jersey; from Bishop John H. \'incent. Chancellor 
of Chatanqua University, and from others prominent in political and literary 
circles." 

"After prayer by the Rev. Dr. Robert Lowry, the large American flag sur- 
rounding the bronze bust and its pedestal, was unfurled by President William 
A Gay, of the Board of Education, revealing, amid hearty cheers, the benignant 
and classical features of the late Dr. Abraham Coles. 

"Dr. Jonathan Ackerman Coles, the donor, then made the address of 
presentation: 'In recognition and appreciation,' said Dr. Coles, 'of the bond of 
Fellowship that existed between the people of Newark and my father, the late 
Dr. .A.braham Coles, on account of his active tfiforts in the promotion of the 
physical, religious, educational and scientific development of this city, it is with 
civic pride and pleasure I now present to your honor the bronze and pedestal 
just unveiled by the President of the Board of Education, — an historic memorial, 
di*Terent and distinctive from that possessed by any other city or nation, and, 
in editorial language, 'in harmony with the life career of the physician and 
scholar it conunemorates.' " 

The statue was formally accepted on behalf of the city by Mayor James M. 
Seymour President AMlliam Stainsby accepted the statue on behalf of the 
Board of Works. Mr. Stainsby was followed by the Rev. .a. H. Tultle, who 
read a scholarly and very interesting paper reviewing the works (,f .\braham 
Coles, "the Physician-Poet." 

.Vfter the benediction by the Rev. Dr. D. J. Yerkes. there was more nuisic. 
In the words of the New York "Observer." "the whole occasion was a delightful 
tribute of honor to the memorv of a noble man." 




//5^C^^.e^^ <6i?t^. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 129 

JONATHAN ACKERMAN COLES, 

Only son of Abraham and Caroline E. Coles, was born in Newark, New Jersey, 
May 6, 1843, i" his homestead building. No. 222 Market street, purchased by 
his father in 1842, and rendered historic b\' reason of its having, by its ■ 
stone construction, stopped the spread of the great fire of 1836. He was pre- 
pared for college at the collegiate school of Forest & Ouackenbos, in New York 
City, where he was awarded the prizes for proficiency in rhetoric and German. 
In i860 he entered the freshman class of Columbia College, New York. In 
•lis senior year, by the unanimous decision of Professor Charles Davies, Profes- 
sor Murray Narine, and Professor William G. Peck, he received the Philolexian 
prize for the best essay. He graduated in 1864. and in 1867 received the de- 
gree of A. M. 

After graduating he began the study of medicine and surgery in the office 
of his father, in Newark, New Jersey, and, after matriculating at the College 
of Physicians and Surgeons, in New York City, (entered, as a student of medi- 
cine, the ofiice of Professor T. Ciaillard Thomas. At the annual commencement 
of the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1867, he received, from Professor 
Alonzo Clark, the Harzen prize for the best written report of clinical instruc- 
tion given during the year in the medical and surgical wards of the New York 
hospital. He graduated with honor in 1868, and after serving in the New 
York, Bellevue and Charity hospitals, opened an office in the City of New 
York, becoming a member of the New York Academy of Medicine and the 
New York County Medical Society. 

The years 1877 and 1878, he spent for the most part in Europe attending 
lectures and clinics at the universities of London, Edinburgh, Paris, Heidel- 
berg, Berlin and Vienna. While at Edinburgh he was the guest of Professor 
Simpson. At Paris he was the guest of his father's friend and college class- 
mate. Dr. J. Marion Sims. At Munich, Bavaria, in company with Dr. Sims, 
he attended the meetings of the International Medical Congress, and, by invita- 
tion, there participated in the honors bestowed upon this distinguished Ameri- 
can surgeon, whose excellent statue now adorns Bryant Park, in the City of 
New York. After visiting the North Cape, Finland, Russia, Turkey, Syria, 
Palestine, Egypt, Greece, Spain, Portugal, etc., he returned home and became 
associated with his father in the practice of his profession, which he has con- 
tinued in Newark and Scotch Plains to the present time. During his absence, 
by reason of his father's letters, and those of Hon. Frederick T. Frelinghuysen, 
then Secretary of State, at Washington, D. C, he was everywhere received with 
marked courtesy. 

In 1891 Dr. Coles was elected President of the Lnion County ?^Iedical So- 
ciety of New Jersey, and has filled other offices of public and private trust. He 
is a' permanent delegate to the New Jersey State Medical Society, a member of 
the American Medical Association, a member of the W'ashington .\ssociation, of 
New lersev. a life member and trustee of the New Jersey Historical Society, a 
Fellow for Life of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, etc. He has 
contributed to the press, has published articles on medical and educational sub- 
jects, and has edited some new editions of his father's works. 
9 



I30 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

In 1895 Dr. Coles presented to his native city one of the most characteristic 
and beautiful groups in real bronze to be seen in this country or Europe. It 
consists of three figures — an American Indian, his wife and her mother, each 
life-size. The pedestal is of rare dark Italian marble. The whole was executed 
at Rome, Italy, in 1886, by the distinguished American sculptor, the late C. B. 
Ives, and is located at the north end of Lincoln Park. 

Individually, and as executor of his father's estate, from his collection of 
paintings and statuary, referred to by the Xew York "Tribune" as bemg one of 
the choicest in the State. Dr. Coles has given to Xew Jersey Daniel Hunting- 
ton's famous oil painting, figures life-size, known as "The Good Samaritan," 
now in the main corridor of the Capitol, at Trenton; to the Metropolitan ^lu- 
seum of -\rt, Xew' York, the life-size statue of "The Promised Land," executed in 
Carara marble, by the American artist, Franklin Simmons, at Rome, Italy, in 
1874; also the Carara marble copy by P. Barzanti, of the antique statue, "\'enus 
de Medica;" to Columbia L'niversity, Library vestibule, the marble bust, heroic 
size, of Minerva, made at Athens, Greece, by the Greek artist. Droses, and be- 
lieved to be a correct copy of the one by Phidias that stood in the Parthenon 
on the Acropolis: also, heroic size bronze busts of Zens and Homer, and life- 
size bronze busts of Plato, Socrates. Hermes, Cicero, etc., a bronze copy of "The 
Farnese Bull." etc. : to the College of Physicians and Surgeons, bronze copies of 
"The Dying Gaul or Gladiator." and a bronze bust of Aesculapius; to Princeton 
L'niversity. the original life-size Carara marble statue of "Xydia the Blind Girl 
of Pompeii," by Randolph Rogers, Rome, Italy, 1856: to Yale L'niversity, a 
bronze copy of the "Hermes of Praxiteles," found in the Temple of Hera, 
within the Altis, the sacred precinct of the Olympian Zens, Olympia; to Harvard 
L'niversity, an heroic bronze bust of Socrates; to Chicago University, an heroic 
bronze bust of Homer; to Amherst College, a life-size bronze bust of \ irgil; 
to Chataugua L'niversity, a life-size bronze bust of Beethoven; to Trinity Col- 
lege, a life-size bronze bust of Mozart; to Andover, a life-size bronze bust of 
Mendelssohn; to Bucknell (Lewisburg) L'niversity. a life-size bronze bust of 
Julius Caesar; to the General Synod of the Reformed Church in .\merica, for 
its use in connection with the Theological Seminary of said church, located at 
X'ew Brimswick, X. J., the original life-size Carara marble group, representing 
"Hagar and Ishmael in the Wilderness of Beersheba," the masterpiece of A. F. 
Cavazza, IModena, Italy, 1872; to Rutgers College, a life-size bronze bust of 
George Washington, a replica of the one made by Jean Antoine Houdon from 
casts and measurements taken of Washington by the sculptor at Mt. \'ernon; 
to the home of Washington at Mt. \'ernon, to the new library of Congress at 
Washington, to Independence Hall at Philadelphia, to each an historic bronze 
with marble pedestal; to Washington's Headquarters at Morristown. X. J., 
bronze portraits of Washington, Lincoln and Grant; to the High School at Xew- 
ark, X. J., J. F. Cropsey's large historic oil painting of Corfe Castle, England, 
also a large bronze globe revealing the physical condition of the Elarth's seas, 
lakes and rivers; to the Xewark Free Public Library, marble statuary and 
pictures; to the Xew Jersey Historical Society, many rare and valuable books 
of references, etc. In the general distribution of gifts, the home of the news- 
boys, and the various institutions of healing as well as of learning have not been 
overlooked or forgotten, in X^ewark and elsewhere. 




INDIAN GROUP 

NORTH END LINCOLN PARK, NEWARK, N. J. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 131 

"Dr. J. Ackerman Coles has given princely gifts of art to public and educa- 
tional institutions, but none more appropriate or better appreciated than his do- 
nation to the public of the superb bronze bust of his distinguished father, the 
late Abraham Coles, physician-poet, author and scientist, which, with its pedestal 
of historic and religious interest, was unveiled in Washington Park, Newark, 
N. J., July 5, 1897-" 

To Admiral Dew'ey, after his unparallelled victory in Manila harbor, Dr. 
Coles sent a Barye bronze, mounted by Tiffany & Co. It represented an eagle 
with outspread wings perched on a rock, at the foot of which lay its cjuarry. a 
dead heron, the twelve feathers in the heron's tail, by a remarkable coincidence, 
tallying with the number of Spanish vessels destroyed. On the rock he had 
engraved Dewey's name, and the names of the Asiatic squadron, with the names 
of the commanders or captains. C)n the pedestal were engraved the names of 
President McKinley and his Cabinet. This testimonial of regard was sent by 
United States express via Hong Kong, to the Admiral, who, on its receipt, sent 
the Doctor the following letter; 

"Flagship C)lympia, 

"Manila. P. I.. Aug. 25. '98. 

^•J. Ackerman Coles, A. B., A. M., M. D. 

"Dear Sir: — I have the pleasure to announce the safe arrival of the beautiful 
"bronze statue and bracket, made by Messrs. Tiffany & Co. 

"As no letters of advise has accompanied it, I shall have to forward this, 
through the makers. The statue will be placed in a most prominent place in 
my cabin, where all who enter may admire it as much as we all do. It is a beau- 
tiful work of art, and I thank you most sincerely for such a princely souvenir. 
Hoping that I may, at some not distant date, have the pleasure of thanking you 
in person, I am, 

"\'ery sincerely, 

"GEORGE DEWEY." 



It is hoped that soon Newark, the metro]:)olis of New Jersey, will possess 
a fire-proof building, located in Branch-Brook Park or elsewhere, built smaller, 
but after the manner of and for purposes similar to those of the Metropolitan 
Museum of Art, New York, for. scattered throughout New Jersey, in the pos- 
session of educated private collectors, are many invaluable works of art. which 
the owners thereof, with State pride, would gladly donate to such a Thesaurium 
for the enjoyment and culture of the community at large. 

Dr. Coles and his sister. Miss Emelie S. Coles (a successful writer of prose 
and verse), continue to occupy Deerhurst as their residence; the Doctor in the 
practice of his profession, having offices in their city homestead building, on 
Market street, Newark, N. J. 



132 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

JOHN INSLEY BLAIR, 

One of the most distinguished citizens of the State of Xew Jersey, died at his 
home at Blairstown. Xew Jersey, December 2. 1899. I'or nearly half a century 
he ranked with the leading and influential railroad magnates of the United States. 
The history of his life is thoroughly interesting, containing, as it does, the annals 
of great obstacles overcome, of persistence and determination in carrying out 
whatever was undertaken, of genius and well-directed energy, of strict adherence 
to the noblest and highest principles of action and of regard for the welfare of his 
brother-men. 

He was born August 2, 1802. His birth-place was upon the farm on the 
banks of the Delaware River, near Foul Rift, about two miles below Belvidere, 
N. J. He sprang from stanch Scotch-Irish ancestry, the name of Blair having 
been a familiar one in Scotland and in the northern part of Ireland for the past 
six centuries. They were always found upon the side of civil and religious 
liberty when the contest raged in their side of the world; and when the battle- 
ground was transferred, during the past two centuries, to the fresh and fruit- 
ful West on this continent, ditterent members of the Blair family crossed the 
Atlantic, casting in their lot with the fortunes of our colonies, only changing the 
base of operations, the name, here as elsewhere, always being a synonym for 
freedom. 

John I. Blair was reared upon a farm, and received but limited advantages 
in the way of an education in his boyhood, as he attended the district schools. 
then of a poor discription, and even then, merely during the winter terms prior 
to his twelfth year. He obtained his initial experience in the business world 
at this time in the store of his cousin. Judge Blair, of Hope, X. J., with whom 
he remained three years. The death of his father then necessitated his return 
to tlie old homestead, in order that his widowed mother might be relieved of 
some of the responsibility pertaining to the management of the place. A little 
later, however, he was enabled to return to the mercantile career which he had 
marked out in his ambitious youthful dreams. His employment this time 
was found in the establishment of Squire DeW'itt, to whose direction and kindly 
interest he attributed his successful start in life. 

In 1819 he located in Blairstown. X. J., (then known as Gravel Hill, but 
since renamed in his honor), and for the following forty years he was engaged 
in merchandising, his field of operations being constantly enlarged, until he was 
the owner of five flourishing stores within a radius of fifteen miles. As his wealth 
increased he invested extensively in various industries, flouring mills, factor- 
ies in which cotton goods were made. etc. At length he gave much of his at- 
tention to the wholesale trade, and was gradually drawn into relations with 
some of the largest and most important enterprises of the country. His ac- 
quaintance with the Scrantons began in 1833. when he assisted them in leasing 
the mines at Oxford Furnace. X. J., which mines had been operated before the 
Revolutionary \\"ar. In 1846 the Scrantons removed to the town now known 
as Scranton. (Pa.), and in October of that year was organized the Lackawanna 
Coal and Iron Company, with Mr. Blair as proprietor of one of the mills. In 
this enterprise he became associated with such men as \\'illiam E. Dodge. An- 
son G. Phelps. Moses Taylor, Roswell Sprague. L. L. Sturges. Dater & Miller 



^%^ 




l/oIa^ J. 



CiyL^i^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 133 

and George Buckley. Tlie success which the company above named attained, 
is so generally known that no special record of the fact is necessary. In 1849 
they bought and rebuilt the railroad between Owego and Ithaca, N. Y., and 
in 1850-51 they secured an outlet for their coal and iron by constructing a line 
from Scranton to Great Bend, it then being termed the Leggett's Gap Railroad. 

A plan formulated by iMr. Blair and Colonel Scranton in 1852 proposed the 
separation of the western division of their road, Leggett's Gap, from the Iron 
Company proper, it to be consolidated with a new company, not yet organized, 
and the line extended to the Delaware River. The latter, spoken of as Cobb's 
Gap Railroad, was re-named, acting upon the suggestion of Mr. Blair, who 
proposed the appopriate title of the Delaware. Lackawanna & Western. He 
procured the right of way for the road and the entire line, including the Warren 
branch, with its Delaware River bridge, the Vass Gap tunnel and a temporary 
track through Vanness Gap. This road opened for business May 16, 1856, 
now comprises a system of some seven hundred miles in length, reaching from 
New Lake to Lake Ontario: branching in every direction; transporting many 
millions of tons of coal annually and having cost over $100,000,000. 

The organization and construction of the Warren Railroad, in 1853, evinced 
the great business capacity and tact of Mr. Blair. Books of subscription were 
opened bv the commissioners; the requisite amount of stock subscribed for; 
directors and officers chosen ; the survey of the route adopted, and the President 
authorized to file it in the office of the Secretary of State; full power delegated 
to the President to construct the road and to make contracts or leases for con- 
necting with other roads; and the right of way through important gaps secured; 
all within the space of two hours. Mr. Blair was chosen President, and the 
next day but one found him in Trenton filing his survey, about one hour in ad- 
vance of the agents of the Morris & Essex Railroad. One day later the en- 
gineers and representatives of the latter arrived in Trenton on the same errand 
as he had been bent upon, only to find that all of the passes and gaps below the 
Water Gap had already been secured by their vigilant competitor; whereupon 
thev made a move to obtain all of the crossings above the Water Gap, on the 
New Jersey side, paying exhorbitant sums for right of way through farms, 
etc., and planning to span the river at two points. Their scheme was defeated, 
however, by their sucessful rival, which caused the Delaware, Lackawanna & 
Western to be constructed through the Gap on the Pennsylvania side, crossing 
the river several miles below their high-priced passes and crossings. A contest 
in the courts and Legislature of New Jersey resulted in the sustaining of the 
Warren Railroad. 

While the above facts evince the growing power of Mr. Blair in the way of 
surmounting difficulties, even as the iron horse climbs and passes over the Po- 
cono Mountains on his way to the coal fields of Pennsylvania, yet it is toward 
the close of the Rebellion that we see the sphere of his action rapidly enlarging. 
Going to the fertile prairies of Iowa, Nebraska and the Dakotas he constructed 
long lines of railroads, thus opening up and developing vast regions. The 
first railroad laid through the State of Iowa, connecting wdth the L'nion Pacific 
at Omaha, was built by Mr. Blair. He employed upwards of ten thousand 
men for eight months in carrying out this gigantic labor, tracks Ijcing laid at 
the rate of a mile a dav ofttimes, and sometimes a stretch nf fift\ miles being 



134 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

constructed without a house in sight along the way. Our subject was the 
ruHng spirit in all these great enterprises: the confidence which he possessed 
among the eastern capitalists was unbounded, and never did he seek in vain 
for the means with which to push forward his work. He knew no such word 
as fail, and whenever he desired subscriptions of capital the only trouble was 
in limiting the amount ready to be subscribed. In his Western railroad build- 
ing enterprises. Air. Blair followed the forty-first degree of latitude, wherever 
practicable, as he had learned that this is the wheat and corn belt. The roads 
thus constructed by him, with their branches, now form the system of the 
Chicago & Xorthwestern, tapping one of the most productive and rich farm- 
lands in the United States. 

Among the nimierous railroads of the cotmtry with which Mr. Blair has 
been connected, often as one of the leading organizers and original directors, are 
the following: The Lackawanna & Bloomsburg: Delaware, Lackawanna & ^^'es- 
tern; Union Pacific: Chicago & Xorthwestern: Oregon Pacific: Chicago & Pa- 
cific: Chicago, Iowa & Dakota: Burlington, Cedar Rapids &Xorthern: Sioux City 
& Yankton: Sioux Falls &: Dakota: St. Louis & Hannibal: Cedar Rapids & Mis- 
souri River: Green Bay: A\'inona & St. Paul: Green Bay & Stevens Point; 
Sioux City & Pacific: Iowa Falls & Sioux City: Cayuga & Susquehanna; Ban- 
gor & Portland: Xew York, Susquehanna & Western; the \\'arren Railroad; 
the Sussex Railroad: the Maple River Railroad: the Mount Hope Railroad 
and the Blairstown road, which last was built by him alone in 1876-77 for the 
convenience of the town in which he has made his home. Air. Blair was 
President of the Belvidere Xational Bank for over sixty years, or almost its 
entire existence, and was largely interested in several coal and zinc companies, 
such as the Lackawanna Iron and Coal Company: the Pittsburgh and Wheeling 
Coal Company, etc. 

The influence of a man of broad and humanitarian ideas, such as always 
predominated in the case of John I. Blair, is utterly beyond estimation. He 
was very liberal toward churches and educational institutions: he founded 
professorships in Princeton College and many others, and in 1897 completed a 
dormitory at the cost of $150,000 in the college mentioned. He erected and 
donated to the Presbytery of Xewton, X. J., one of the best preparatory schools 
in the L'nited States. The Blairstown Seminary was later endowed by him 
with an additional $150,000. Alore than eighty towns in the West were laid 
out by him, or through his instrumentality, and fully one hundred churches were 
built and fostered by his influence and generosity. .Along the lines of the rail- 
roads which he laid out in the Western states, numerous colleges and schools 
sprang up, and to many of these he has given substantial support. He was 
a strong Presbyterian in religious belief, and among his ancestors were many 
clergymen and noted educators. 

One of the organizers of the Republican party. Air. Blair has been an ardent 
supporter of its principles. During the war he was among the foremost men 
who held up the hands of the chief executive, and even in the darkest hours of 
our national crisis he freely loaned large sums of money to the administration. 
He firmly believed that the policy of protection for .\merican industries would 
develop our resources and wealth as a country, and that under this system the 
highest rates of wages for the workingman could be paid, and the history of the 




m //fc: 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 135 

past thirty years has fully justified his theory. In 1868 Mr. Blair was per- 
suaded by his friends to run for the Governorship of New Jersey. He was not 
elected, and with this exception he never was a candidate for any public oftice. 
As long as his strength permitted, he attended every convention of the Repub- 
lican party as a delegate, and in numerous ways has manifested his patriotism. 

In 1826 Mr. Blair married Nancy Locke, whose grandfather. Captain Locke, 
a soldier in the American Revolution, was killed in a skirmish at Springfield, N. 
J. Mrs. Blair died in 1888, and of their four children but one, DeWitt Clinton, sur- 
vives. Marcus L. was the eldest born ; Emma L. was the wife of Charles 
Scribner, the New York publisher; and Aurelia was the wife of Clarence G. Mit- 
chell, a lawyer. 



HON. JOHN A. BLAIR, 



Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Hudson county. New Jersey, ex-Corpo- 
ration Counsel of Jersey City, and ex-Judge of the Second District Court, be- 
longs to the distinguished family of that name in Warren county. New Jersey, 
where he was born, in Knowlton, July 8, 1843 His father was a prosperous farmer 
in that county, and his antecedents, widely connected, include many names con- 
spicuous in the political, legal and literary annals of our countrj'. 

Prepared for college in Blairstown Presbyterian Academy, Mr. Blair entered 
Prinecton College, and wa» graduated in the class of 1866. Leaving college, 
he read law in the office of J. G. Shipman, in Belvidere, and was admitted to 
practice as an attorney at .the June term of 1873; he was admitted as a counselor, 
and has twice resided and practiced law, except when vipon the bench in Jersey 
City. Mr. Blair soon acquired a recognized position at the Jersey City bar, and 
in 1878, after the passage of the law creating the district courts. Governor 
Bedle apjjointed him Judge of the Second District Court in Jersey City. Fair 
and impartial in his decision, with quick grasp upon legal principles, and pos- 
sessing the judicial temperament. Judge Blair's incumbency of the bench of this 
court was eminently successful It has been elsewhere said of him: "Judge 
Blair presided over the Second District Court and discharged its duties to the 
satisfaction of all. He was a very upright and impartial judge, and retired 
from the bench with the confidence of the public.'" 

A conscientious lawyer and advocate, possessed of a sound and discriminat- 
ing judgment, and an attractive and eloquent speaker. Judge Blair was. in 
May, 1885, appointed Corporation Counsel of Jersey City, holding the office 
until his resignation in 1889. He was re-appointed in 1894. and 
retained the position until his appointment by Governor Griggs as 
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Hudson county, to suc- 
ceed Judge Robert S. Hudspeth, whose term expired April 1, i8g8. The 
press and general public gave general approval of the Governor's selection for 
this important judgeship, and the "Evening Journal" said editorially: "He will 
sustain the high reputation of the Hudson county licncli, which has always been 
the pride of the peo])le." 

The courts over which Judge Blair alime now presides, have, within their 



136 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

jurisdiction, the trial of all criminal indictments and charges within the county, 
except the crime of treason; all Orphans Court matters for the county, and all 
appeals from district and justice courts of the county; also the granting of 
naturalization papers, and, with the Supreme and Circuit Courts, the disposi- 
tion of all lunacy matters arising in the county. 

Judge Blair has always been a Republican in politics, taking an active part in 
political and public affairs. Although never seeking office his name has been fre- 
quently mentioned in connection with some of the most prominent positions in 
the State. He is a regular attendant of the First Presbyterian Church of Jersey 
City; a member of the Palma and Union League Clubs, and has been President 
of the latter organization since the first year of its existence. 

In addition to the eminent position which Judge Blair holds at the bar and 
on the bench, he is a recognized classical scholar, a lover of art and literature, 
and possesses a large and choice library. The chaste literary style and ele- 
vated sentiments which characterize his public addresses are admirably shown 
in his memorable address on the death of President Garfield, delivered in Jer- 
sey City before an immense public gathering, upon the occasion of the death of 
the lamented President, in connection with the addresses of many other eminent 
speakers, and subsequently published in "The Garfield Memorial volume of 
Jersey City." His eloquent words proceeded, in part, as follows: 

''So fully, so appropriately and eloquently have the gentlemen to whom you 
have listened interpreted the feelings of our saddened hearts, that little further 
need be, or can be said. It is fit that the people, believing in and enjoying the 
largest liberty consistent with law and order, should join in giving expression to 
the common sentiment which pervades every mind, when the head of the govern- 
ment, the very representative of regulated law, the very embodiment of organized 
order, falls, the unprovoking victim of a crime, atrocious and unparallelled. 
^^'hen the citadel of law is attacked, what more natural than that we, its chosen 
watchmen, should be aroused; and though, alas! too late to shield him, should 
rally round the fallen chieftan whose dancing plume made him but too shining 
a mark. We meet in common sadness to join our voices to the swelling chorus 
of universal sympathy. We do not meet to pay homage to a hero like those 
familar to the classic period of the world, half God, half man; not one of those 
huge, dim, mysterious shapes of which we catch occasional glimpses through the 
murky atmosphere of mediaeval history, but simply to pay our tribute of re- 
spect to the memory of a great, brave-hearted, just-minded, country-loving 
citizen ; one of the foremost names of the world to be sure, yet one whom nearly 
every person in the audience has seen, and one personally known to many of 
us. President Garfield's life is not a matter of tradition. His character is not 
great because not understood. There is no mythic greatness about him. 
We venerate his name because we knew and understood him; we love his life 
because we saw it unfold day by day and year by year; and our hearts yet bleed 
with all the fulness of overwhelming grief, as the tolling bells recall to us the 
sad intelligence that from beside the many sounding sea that brave spirit had 
taken its vipward flight, and that but yesterday, beneath the splendid dome that 
rears itself above the fair proportions of the proud Capitol, lay the remains of 
that heroic man. as cold, as silent, and as lifeless as the marble statues of the 
immortal fathers of the Republic that stood like watchful sentinels around him. 




COL. EDMUND L. JOY 



BlUGRAPHiCAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 137 

"The life of the late President is to my mind the most striking illustra- 
tion in all our history — of the wonderful possibilities of American life. It 
ought to stir like the blast of a triumpet the hot impulsive blood of every gen- 
erous boy in the land. His life is an argument that batters down the fictitious 
partitions of social caste, and aristocratic pretensions; it is an argument that 

gives force and illustration and reality to the declaration of the equality of man." 
* % * 

"Somewhere I have read a legend connected with the early history of Ire- 
land, that in the beautiful lake of Munster there were two islands, upon one of 
which death could not enter. Ikit age, sickness and all the wearying infirmities 
of life were admitted there, and so ceaselessly did these remorseless agents work, 
that the worn-out inhabitants, tired of life, learned to look upon the opposite 
island as a haven of repose, and longed for the hour to launch their bark upon 
the gloomy waters, and be borne to its peaceful shore and be at rest. So I have 
thought that the President, from his bed of weary suffering, realizing the impos- 
sibility of recovery, must have often turned toward that peaceful, happy shore 
which his firm faith pictured to him beyond life's stormy sea, and must have been 
glad when the stern old ferryman bore him over the dark flood to its calm, eternal 
repose. And though our eyes become misty, and our hearts grow heavy in the 
recollection of the circumstances and surroundings of his death, his devoted 
wife, and his dear old gray-haired mother, it is perhaps fittest that he should die 
now, at the zenith of his fame, in this season of the year, itself appropriately sad 
with the evidences on every side of nature's decay. When 

"The withered banners of the corn are still, 
And gathered fields are growing strangely wan. 
While death, poetic death, with hands that color 
Whate'r they touch, weaves in the Autunm wood. 
Her tapestries of gold and brown," 

It is perhaps best that he should die as he did. in that splendid altitude, to 
show the world how a brave man should die. 

But from out the gloom that shrouds our hearts, let us remember in his 
own words, that "God reigns, and the government at Washington still lives," 
that the loss of no one man, however great and distinguished, is sufficient to 
impart even a momentary jar to the movements of the majestic machinery of 
representative Republican government." * * * 



EDMUND L. JOY, 



Of Newark, N. J., was born in Albany, N. Y., October i, 1835, and was a lineal 
descendant of Thomas and Jo.an Gallop Joy, early colonists of New England. 
Thomas Joy came from Norfolk county, England, in 1635, and is mentioned 
in the Book of Possessions among the first land owners of Boston. He was 
a signer of the Remonstrance and Petition of 1646, which was a protest against 
•certain illiberal customs of the period, and a prayer for reforms and particularly 



138 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

for an extension of the right of suffrage among the colonists. He planned 
and constructed, in 1657, the Town House of Boston, which was the first State 
House of Massachusetts, built and owned in 1648, the corn and saw mills in 
Hingham, and erected many residences, wharves, bridges and warehouses in 
Boston, Charlestown and Brookline. In 1665 he became a freeman of the 
Massachusetts Bay Colony, and in 1658 a member of the ancient and honorable 
Artillery Company of Massachusetts. From him has sprung a numerous 
progeny, now scattered throughout the United States, which includes many 
distinguished in professional and business life. 

One of these was Nathaniel Joy, who served as a soldier in the War of the 
Revolution, and from him is descended the subject of this sketch. Edmund L. 
Joy was educated in his native city at Anthony's Classical Institute, one of the 
most noted schools of its kind in the coimtry, and also at the Albany Academy. 
He then entered the University of Rochester, and after graduation studied law 
in New York City, and in 1857 was admitted to the bar of New 
York as an attorney and counsellor. Soon thereafter he commenced 
active practice in Ottumwa, Iowa, where, in i860, he was appointed city attorney, 
holding that office for two years. The breaking out of the Civil War aroused 
the patriotism inherited from Revolutionary sires, and laying aside his law books 
and briefs, he at once offered his services to the cause of the Union, and became 
active in raising troops and otherwise aiding the government. In 1862 he 
entered the United States' service as captain in the Thirty-Sixth Regiment 
of Iowa Infantry, and in this capacity served with distinction in the southwest, 
until the fall of \'icksburg, participating in the important engagement on both 
sides of the Mississippi River. 

In 1864 he was appointed by President Lincoln Major and Judge-Advo- 
cate L'nited States \'olunteers, and assigned to the Seventh Army Corps. He 
was subsequently made Judge-Advocate of the Department of the .Arkansas, 
with headquarters at Little Rock, in which position he had much to do with 
the administration of justice in Arkansas and the Indian Territory, and later took 
part in the work of reconstruction. When the war was ended he located in 
Newark, N. J., where his father, Charles Joy, a successful business man had 
settled in 1855. He became associated with the latter as partner in the man- 
agement of extensive business interests, being a member of the New York Pro- 
duce Exchange, and upon his father's death in 1873, succeeded him, conducting 
the business during the remainder of his life. 

It is not surprising that he should, by reason of his intellectual gifts, his 
superior attainments and varied experience, have attracted the attention and won 
the confidence of his fellow citizens. While yet but six years a citizen of New 
Jersey, he was, in 1871, elected a member of the State Legislature. Re-elected 
in the following year he filled the important position of chairman of the Ju- 
diciary Committee, wherein his legal knowledge and effectiveness as a speaker 
enabled him to render valuable service to the State. In 1877 he was elected 
a member of the Board of Education of the City of Newark, and held this po- 
sition until the close of 1888. serving as president, of that body for three years. 
Of Newark's Board of Trade he was an early and active member, being its pre- 
siding officer in 1875 ^'i"^' 1876, and its treasurer from 1879 to the time of his 
death. In 1880 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention, and 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 139 

in 1884 and 1885, by appointment of President Arthur, he served as a govern- 
ment director of the Union Pacific Railroad Company. His extensive business 
operations and well known abilities as a business man made him prominent in 
matters aiifecting the financial interests of the city in which he lived and often 
placed him in positions of great responsibility. 

Great activity and energy or both mind and body were the prominent char- 
acteristics of Colonel Joy. Whatever he undertook was done with all his might, 
and failure in any enterprise was with him almost an impossibility. His quick- 
ness of apprehension and correctness of judgment were equally remarkable, and 
if we add to these invaluable possessions the ability to express his thoughts in 
language both strong and eloquent, it is no wonder that he should have been so 
successful as a lawyer and businessman. He was a genial, instructive com- 
panion, a warm and reliable friend, and withal a Christian gentleman, consci- 
entious in the discharge of the rights of his fellow men, and faithful in the ser- 
vice of his Maker. In 1862 he married Theresa R., daughter of the late Homer 
L. Thrall, M. D., of Columbus. r)hio. He died at his home in Newark, N. J.,. 
February 14, 1892. 



GILBERT COLLINS, 

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, son of Daniel Prentice 
Collins and Sarah R. Collins, his wife, was born in Stonington, Conn.. August 
26, 1846. Of the name of Collins. Gower says, according to the Landed Gen- 
try of Great Britain and Ireland, by Sir Bernard Burke, "the Collins of Walford, 
existed, eo nomine, in the time of the Conqueror in the counties of Hereford 
and Salop." Descendants of this family came to America during its earliest 
colonial days and, from them, we find that the Collins family of Connecticut is 
descended. 

Daniel Prentice Collins, father of the subject of this brief outline biogra- 
phy, and son of Gilbert Collins, who was for several terms a member of the 
Connecticut Legislature, was a prominent manufacturer of Stonington, Conn. 
Daniel Collins, the father of this — Gilbert Collins, — of whom Justice Collins is a: 
namesake, — was an officer of the First Connecticut Line Regiment in the Revo- 
lutionary War. 

Justice Collins received a classical education as preparatory to entering Yale 
College. The death of his father, however, made it desirable for the young man 
not to defer, longer than necessary, his entrance into the professional life, to 
which he had been looking forward, and for which he was preparing. He re- 
ceived a Federal appointment in New York, and in 1883 removed to Jersey City, 
where his father had had large business interests, and where he studied law. un- 
der Jonathan Dixon, afterwards a Justice of the Supreme Court. 

In Februarv, 1869. Mr. Collins was admitted to practice in New Jersey, 
as an attorney, and in February of 1872, as a counsellor, ^^^^ile practicing in Jer- 
sey Citv he was first a partner with Judge Dixon, and later associated himself with 
Charles L and William H. Corbin, under the firm name of Collins and Corbin. 

During the many years of his connection with the Hudson County Bar. 



I40 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Mr. Collins was one of the leading men of his profession in New Jersey, and the 
firm, of which he was senior member, conducted a very extensive and important 
legal business. Although unwilling to allow his time and interest to be diverted 
From his professional duties, Mr. Collins, upon the joint nomination of a Citi- 
zens Association and the Republican party, consented to be a candidate for the 
office of Mayor of Jersey City, to which position he was elected. Mayor Col- 
lins served the best interests of Jersey Citv, as its chief executive, from May, 
1884, to May, 1886. 

On the second of March, 1897, Mr. Collins was appointed Associate Justice 
of the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey. This appointment was made 
by Governor Griggs, and on March 8th following, his nomination was unani- 
mously confirmed by the Senate. 

Justice Collins is a steadfast Republican, and although, with one exception 
already named, he never held ofifice, he was always an active worker for the suc- 
cess of his party. He was a Director of the Hudson County National Bank, but 
resigned upon being appointed to the bench. Justice Collins is a Mason, and 
belongs, also, to the Sons of the Revolution, of the New Jersey Society, of which 
he is one of the Board of Managers; he is a member of the Union League and 
Palma Clubs of Jersey City. 

In June, 1870, Justice Collins married Harriet, daughter of John O. and 
Abby A. (Whiting) Bush, of Jersey City. 

The children of Justice and Mrs. Collins are, W'alter Collins, a lawyer, prac- 
ticing in Jersey City, and two daughters, Blanche and Marjorie, all of whom are 
luiniarried. 



HON. ANDREW KIRKPATRICK. 

Among the distinguished jurists who have conferred honor upon the judicial 
Iiistor}- of New Jersey, is Andrew Kirkpatrick, who figured most prominently 
in many of the most important events that went to form the annals of the State 
through the closing years of the eighteenth century, and the opening years of 
the nineteenth century. He resided in New Brunswick, and was a native of 
Somerset county, New Jersey, born February 17. 1756. His parents were 
David and Alary (McEwan) Kirkpatrick. On emigrating to America the 
father located at Mine Brook, New Jersey. The grandfather was a native of 
Scotland, whence he removed to Belfast, Ireland, and after a few years he came 
with his family to America, locating in Somerset count}-. New Jersey, near 
Basking Ridge, where he died in 1758. His second son, David Kirkpatrick, 
like his father, was a rigid Presbyterian, and of plain, unassuming haliits. highly 
respected for his unswerving integrity and great perseverance. He died in 
1 8 14 when more than ninety years of age. 

Judge Kirkpatrick acquired his early education in the schools near his 
home, and in 1775 was graduated in Princeton College. It was his father's 
hope that he would enter the ministry, and after his graduation he began study- 
ing to that end, under the direction of Rev. Mr. Kennedy, a distinguished divine 
of Basking Ridge, but after a short time he expressed his determination to be- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 141 

come a nicml)er of the ha.T. Disappointed in his exjiectations concerning his 
son, the father refused to give him any assistance in the new field of labor he 
had chosen, and Andrew Kirkpatrick was thrown upon his own resources. With 
his mother's blessing and some gold pieces which she gave him — the savings 
of many years — he left home and went to \'irginia, becoming a tutor in the 
family of Colonel Taliaferrp, near Fredericksburg, King George county. 

After a brief period he went to Esopus, now Kingston, Ulster county, New 
York, and later, returning to his native state, accepted a position as teacher of 
the classics in Rutgers College tjrammar School, at New Brunswick. 

The time not devoted to his duties of the school room was given to the 
stud\- of law, and later he was a student in the law office of William Paterson, 
afterward Governor of New Jersey. In 1785 he was licensed as an attorney, 
and locating at Morristown, soon won a prominent place among leading prac- 
titioners there. Two years later he had all his effects, including his law library, 
destroyed by fire, and then returned to New Brunswick, where he also acquired 
an extensive clientage. In 1797 he was elected to represent Middlesex county 
in the State Legislature, and after a short time was appointed by the joint meet- 
ing of the two houses an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, to fill a va- 
cancy caused by the resignation of Judge Chetwood. In 1803 he was elected 
Chief Justice, and was easily twice re-elected, remaining on the bench for twenty- 
seven years. With one exception, this is the longest judicial service in connec- 
tion with the history of the Supreme bench of New Jersey. In 1820 he was 
again elected to the State Legislature. In 1824 his term of judicial service ex- 
pired, and he retired to private life, giving counsel occasionally to old clients, 
but otherwise laying aside all professional cares. He was celebrated for his 
profound knowledge of the old English common law, especially relating to real 
estate, and his opinions in various cases are regarded as models of deep learning, 
sound reasoning and polished language. "Judge Kirkpatrick was the beau 
ideal," says Aaron Ogden Dayton, "of a minister of justice. His enunciation 
was slow and distinct, his voice full and musical: his opinions, when not pre- 
viously prepared, were deliverel with fluency and clearness; when written, the 
language in which they were clothed were marked by great purity and precision. 
His opinions exhibited a depth of research which entitled him to rank among 
the first American jurists." In i8oy Judge Kirkpatrick became a trustee of 
Princeton College, and seldom failed in his attendance upon the meetings of the 
board. 

In I7<;2 the Judge luarried .Miss Jane Bayard, daughter of Colonel John 
Bavard, formerly of Pennsylvania, and a distinguished officer in the Conti- 
nental army. The Judge died in 1831. His wife, who was born in Phila- 
delphia, Pennsylvania, July 12, 1772, died in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Feb- 
ruary 16, 1851. She was widely known for her accomplishments, benevolence 
and beautiful Christian character, and was the author of the "Light of Other 
Davs," edited bv her daughter. Airs. Jane E. Cogswell. Their second son, Lit- 
tleton, was born in New Brunswick. October ig, 1797, and died at Saratoga 
Springs, New York, August 15, 1859. He was graduated at Princeton in 1815, 
became a prominent member of the New Jersey bar, and was a member of Con- 
gress from the New Brunswick district in 1843-5: elected on the Democratic 
ticket. 



142 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

ANDREW KIRKPATRICK. 

Andrew Kirkpatrick, the subject of our sketch, grandson and namesake of 
Chief Justice Kirkpatrick, was born in Washington, D. C, October 8, 1844. 
His father, John Bayard Kirkpatrick, was a prominent merchant of his day, 
whose largest interest were in foreign trade. Upon the completion of his prepara- 
tory studies at Rutgers Grammar School, Mr. Kirtkpatrick entered Union Col- 
lege, of Schenectady, N. Y., at which he was graduated in 1863. In the choice of 
a life work the bent of the young man's mind inclined rather to a literary and 
professional career than to a mercantile life: following, thus, the steps of his 
granfather, although, as proven in after life, not without the astute business 
faculties which gave to his father a place among the successful men of his gen- 
eration. 

Having decided upon the legal profession, Mr. Kirkpatrick entered, as a law- 
reader, the office of Hon. Frederick T. Frelinghuysen, of Newark, New Jersey, 
and was admitted to the bar as an attorney in June. 1866. and as a counselor in 
1869. As a practitioner Air. Kirkpatrick soon made for himself a name of no 
small importance. While occupying a high social position, he always com- 
manded a clientage among his associates, he has established a reputation as one 
who is no respecter of persons: the poor man and the rich alike, claiming 
justice at his hand, and the man of low degree finding in him no less favor upon 
that account, than his more important brother. 

Air. Kirkpatrick, before his elevation to the bench, was a jiartner of Air. 
Frelinghuysen, and later of Hon. Frederick H. Teese. In April of 1885 he 
was appointed by Governor Leon Abbett, lay judge of Essex county Court of 
Common Pleas, to succeed Judge Ludlow McCarter, which position he held, 
by several successive appointments, until December, 1896, when, having still 
an unexpired term of three years to serve, he resigned to accept the office of 
judge of the United States District Court of the district of New Jersey, tendered 
to him by President Cleveland, and which was made vacant by the death of the 
Honorable Edward D. Green. 

As a jurist Judge Kirkpatrick holds claim to a position of eminence and 
distinction: a man of wide reading and sound judgment, his opinions carry 
weight throughout the legal world, and for their peculiar clearness of statement, 
possess a remarkable virtue, the quality which renders them easy of comprehen- 
sion by the lay mind. In addition, it is truly said of them, "they command 
respect for their literary excellence and evidence of thorough scholarship." 

In the social as well as the professional life of his state, Judge Kirkpatrick 
holds a prominent position. Through both his paternal and maternal ancestors 
he was qualified to become a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. 
In fact, he was one of the earliest and most energetic promoters of this organiza- 
tion, (^f many local social clubs and organizations he is an active member, 
having been one of the founders of the Essex Club, of which he was one of the 
original governors and for fifteen years its treasurer. 

^^'ithout being a strict partisan, the Judge has always been a firm supporter 
of the principal advocated by the Democratic party. While his name has not 
been without mention in connection with party honors, he has declined their 
acceptance, except in the line of professional advancement. He is, however, 




The N -J. Historical Put Co. 



i^.^.-'^f-C^^' 



y^i^yLt c 



tyO*^^//<__ci--''<^<-^a^'(i_j 




J. BAYARD KIRKPATRICK 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 143 

greatly interested in the welfare of the City of Newark and of its citizens, and 
finds time to give attention to matters pertaining to the public good. 

At this writing he holds the ofifice of a commissioner of the sinking fund of 
the City of Newark, which has in charge upwards of three millions of dollars; 
he is one of the trustees of the Howard Savings Institution, a director of the 
Fidelity Title and Deposit Company, and in the Newark Gas Company. 

To his friends Judge Kirkpatrick is known as a man of high instincts and 
warm heart, of gracious and courtly hospitality, a lover of music and art, a 
man of quick and ready wit. 

Professionally he is recognized as a keen student of human nature, a man 
of insight and force of character. These qualificationss gave him, as barrister, 
great success, and have undoubtedly been to him, upon the bench, a secret of 
his decisions, as his familiarity with his profession and his thorough knowledge 
of precedents have been in his rulings. 

This little sketch of the life of Judge Kirkpatrick would be incomplete, even 
as an outline, were no mention made of a transaction characteristic of the man, as 
he is known by his fellow citizens, among whom he is regarded not alone as an 
able jurist but as a man of highest executive and financial ability. Upon the 
failure of the Domestic Manufacturing Company (one of the greatest manufac- 
turing concerns of the country), which occurred in 1893, Judge Kirkpatrick was 
appointed its receiver and given authority to continue the business of making 
and selling Domestic sewing machines. This he did during a period of unex- 
ampled monetary stringency, and was thereby able not only to furnish employ- 
ment to hundreds of working men, who would otherwise have been forced into 
idleness, but he was likewise able to surrender the property to the stockholders 
as a going concern, with assets sufificient in value to pay its creditors in full. 
Indifference to such a record could not be justified in any right-feeling man, and 
not alone from its business but also from its humanitarian point of view, the 
Judge may be congratulated upon his noble work in the discharge of the duties 
of this receivership. 

In 1869 Judge Kirkpatrick married Alice, daughter of Joel W. Condit, of 
Newark, New Jersey. Their children are Andrew, Jr., John Bayard and Alice 
Condit. In 1877 Mrs. Kirkpatrick died. The Judge, in 1883, married, as his 
second wife, Louise C, daughter of Theodore P. Howell: their children are 
Littleton, Isabclle and Elizabeth. 



JOHN BAYARD KIRKPATRICK, 

Was born in Washington, D. C, February 14, 1847: but, since his fourth year, 
has been a resident of New Brunswick, N. J. 

He was graduated from the Rutgers College Grammar School in 1861, and 
from the Peekskill Military Academy in 1862. He immediately entered Rutgers 
College, although but fifteen years of age. He was graduated with honor in 1866, 
the youngest man in his class to receive the degree of A. B. Three years 
later the honorarv degree of A. M. was conferred upon him by his Alma Mater. 
In 1871 wc find the voung man estalilished in the general insurance and broker- 



144 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

age business, in the City of New Brunswick, New Jersey, in which avocation he 
was very successful, and soon won for liimself so good a reputation as a financier 
that his counsel and his service were sought l)y many financial institutions, cor- 
porations and estates. 

In 1882 he was appointed by the Common Council of New Brunswick, 
Commissioner of Public Works: by the members of this Board he was made 
president, which position he held for two and one-half years. 

In 1887 Mr. Kirkpatrick and several other gentlemen incorporated and 
established the People's National Bank, of which corporation he was elected 
a director, and made secretary of the board of directors: he was also chosen 
chairman of the Discount Committee. 

When, in 1888, the Board of Underwriters was established in New Bruns- 
wick, New Jersey, Air Kirkpatrick was elected its president and the chairman 
of its Executive Committee: to this board he has been re-elected for eleven con- 
secutive years. 

In 1889, he consented to become a director of the Gas Light Company of 
New Brunswick, of which company he was elected president in 1892, which 
position he holds to-day. In January of 1891, Mr. Kirkpatrick was elected a 
manager of the New Brunswick Savings Institution, and subsequently a mem- 
ber of the Funding Committee of that corporation. The year following he was 
made a trustee of Rutgers College, and in the same year was called upon to 
accept the office of city treasurer of New Brunswick, New Jersey. He con- 
sented to receive the trust urged upon him by his fellow citizens, and is now 
filling the office. As an instance connected with the city treasurership, held 
by Mr. Kirkpatrick. we mention the important fact that during the years 1897 
and "98 he refunded over three-quarters of a million of maturity bonds, which 
bore si.x and seven per cent, interest, converting them into sinking fund bonds 
at four and one-half and three and one-hlaf, thereby saving the city over thirty 
thousand dollars per annum. We have thus given, in brief, a memoranda of 
some of the principal facts concerning the positions held by Mr. Kirkpatrick, 
ard of his financial record. We mention at the conclusion of this list that he 
has. at various times, since establishing himself in business in New Bruns- 
wick. New Jersey, been called upon to act. and is still acting, in the capacity of 
administrator, guardian, trustee and executor for several large estates, and has 
served, or is now serving, as president and treasurer of two building and loan 
associations. 

No comment is necessary upon the business capacity or the personal char- 
acter of a man whose frequent call to official life is a testimony given, by his 
fellow men, to his financial ability and integrity. The call which has been 
made, repeatedly, upon him to assume position of responsibility, speaking as 
nothing else can: the success attending his administration of the many inter- 
ests placed in his hands, speaks also as nothing else can: and the confidence and 
honor bestowed upon him by individuals, by corporations and institutions of 
learning, are fitting tributes to this man, whtise life is blameless in the midst of 
his fellows. 

While not in any way a jiolitician, strictly so-called. .Mr. Kirkpatrick is 
faithful to the best interests of his city, state and country: he is interested in the 
advancement of art and education, of good citizenship and good government. 



w 







BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 145 

On the 28th of June, 1871, Air. Kirkpatrick married Mary E. H., daughter 
of John Phillips, of New York City. Their four children are: Mary Jane 
Bayard Kirkpatrick, Laura Kirkpatrick, John Bayard and Andrew Kirkpatrick. 
His eldest daughter, Mary J. B.. married Abram Van Nest Baldwin, M. D., now 
deceased. Dr. and Mrs. Baldwin had two daughters. 



FLAVEL McQEE, A. B., A. M.* 

A distinguished lawyer of Jersey City, and well known in society, is a Jersey- 
man "to the manor born," with a remarkably good Irish ancestry, and proved 
in all the essentials of excellent birth and careful bringing up, which he has ex- 
emplified to the fullest extent from the days of his boyhood to the very present. 
It is a pleasure to meet with so much that is happy and desirable in a life not 
yet at its fullest fruition, but only maturing in its many attributes of honorable 
citizenship, and of agreeably and praiseworthy achievement. 

Most excellent sketches of Mr. McGee are published in other books, not- 
ably the History of Hudson County, where the author of Bench and Bar gives 
a detailed account of his family and of his record as a lawyer; also in the His- 
tory of Jersey City and in the Judicial and Civil History of New Jersey, — ar- 
ticles, all of them, that are perfect in form and statement and from which the 
writer shall quote for the purposes of this sketch. 

In Bench and Bar, the author, Mr. VVeart, after giving the history of the 
paternal grandfather, Patrick McGee, who settled in F'aterson in 181 2, as a 
maker of Irish linen after the good old way of the hand loom — refers to his son 
William C. McGee, father of John Flavel, who was a graduate of Princeton 
College, and also of the Theological Seminary: "and in the year 1841 was 
called to the pastorate of the Presbyterian churches of Harswick and Marksboro. 
The Harswick church stood on the line between the counties of Sussex and War- 
ren; the pulpit was in Sussex and the pews were in Warren. The other church 
was in Warren. He enjoyed a very successful pastorate there for twenty- 
six years, and until his death on May 25, 1867." 

How well that reads! From the same author we gather that his maternal 
great-grandfather was Rev. Joseph Clark, who, at the breaking out of the Revo- 
lution was a student in Princeton College — then always known as the College 
of New Jersey: and by the way, how this recalls the age and the honors of grand 
old Princeton — now a fully developed University \yith as much important history 
and renown and tlistinguishment to its credit as has any other institution of 
learning on this continent. lUit Joseph Clark, student, broke away from his 
halls of learning and bid good bye to his tutors, that he might enlist in the 
Patriot Armv as a soldier of the ranks: and it is not surprising that "he rose 
to the rank of an Adjutant, and after the war returned to the college and grad- 
uated, and afterwards graduated at the Princeton Seminary. He was a tutor in 
the college for many vears, a trustee and after the college was destroyed by fire 

*John Flavel McGee. 
10 



146 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

he traveled and collected considerable sums of money for rebuilding the same. 
He was settled for a short time at Allentown, Monmouth county, but a greater 
part of his life he was pastor of the Presbyterian Church at New Brunswick, New 
Jersey. His son and the grandfather of the subject of this sketch was Rev. 
John Flavel Clark, a celebrated divine and brother of Peter I. Clark of the New 
Jersey bar, who resided at Flemington, and was once a candidate for Gover- 
nor. His daughter, Ann Sherrerd Clark, and the mother of the subject of this 
sketch, was a sister of Dr. Sanuiel S Clark, of Belvidere, and she died in Belvi- 
dere in 1883. 

Mr. Weart continues; "The subject of this sketch was born in the town- 
ship of Frelinghuysen, Warren county, April 6, 1844. He received his aca- 
demic education at the Presbyterial Academy at Blairstown, entered the Junior 
Class of the College of New Jersey, (Princeton) and graduated in 1865. He 
took the first prize for debate in the class of 1865 in Clio Hall. In the spring 
of 1865 he was appointed principal of one of the public schools of Belvidere, 
which he held one year. Studied law, first with John M. Sherrerd, Esq., and 
afterwards with J. G. Shipman, Esq., both of Belvidere, and was admitted to the 
bar as attorney at June term, 1868, and as counsellor at June term, 1871, and at 
the same time argued two cases in the Supreme Court, and one in the Court 
of Errors and Appeals, and this probably cannot be said of any other member 
of our bar." 

In conclusion, Mr. Weart said: "Mr. McGee has inherited many of the 
qualities of his distinguished ancestry. He is a sound lawyer, an able advocate, 
and a kind, genial and warm friend." This was written fifteen years ago, and it 
remains as true to-day and confirmed over and over again in a hundred different 
instances, if it were required to recall them. 

While Mr. McGee was principal of the Belvidere school he began preparing 
for the law as his chosen profession, proving that, with ancestors who had be- 
come distinguished in the iViinistry, his mental equipment and natural bent was 
in a totally opposite intellectual direction, which lends much evidence in favor 
of the theory that the youthful mind should be allowed to follow its choice of 
pursuit or employment in order to avoid placing "the right man in the wrong 
place." If ever previous training and hereditary transmission favored the 
profession of the cloth, the subject of this sketch should have become an ex- 
pounder of the Gospel instead of the public law; but, as said before, the mental 
make-up and the natural bent was superior to all environments ; and an indepen- 
dent development on first class lines, and entirely dissimilar to that which was 
logically prefigured, has been made manifest in the most pronounced form 
imaginable. There is much for philosophical reflection in this career of Mr. 
McGee, but one of the facts it makes plain is that in a new and a free country 
there is no limit to the possibilities of individual expansion unrestricted by the 
mediaeval customs of European civilization. 

In the associations of his chosen profession Mr. ^IcGee has been equally 
fortunate and harmonious. He first located in Jersey City (which has always 
had an attraction for promising country lawyers) and first made a business ar- 
rangement with Stephen B. Ransome, Esq., one of the most able advocates 
of his time: subsequently, Mr. McGee formed a partnership with William Muir- 
h<=id, Esq., and later with Hon. Joseph D. Bedle, who joined the firm in 1878 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 147 

under style of Bedle. Miiirheid & McGee. afterwards changed to Bedle. McGee & 
Bedle, when the late Governor's two sons, Joseph D. Bedle, Jr., now Judge 
Bedle, and Thomas F. Bedle, Esquires, were admitted, making one of the 
strongest law firms in the State; for the accomplished and redoubtable senior 
member had been twice Judge of the Supreme Court, and since then Governor 
•of the State — a man of national reputation both for accomplishments as a jurist 
and for the highest personal integrity. 

The History of Jersey City refers to Air. AlcGee as a lawyer and public 
man in these words: "Mr. McGee early acquired a reputation for energy, in- 
dustry and forensic ability, and soon acquired an enviable reputation at the bar. 
On the death of Judge Bradley he was unanimously reconuuended by the Bar 
Association of Hudson county, and largely by the bar of the whole State, for 
the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. 
In politics he is a consistent Republican and rarely allows an important cam- 
paign to pass without his voice being heard in the councils of his party and on 
the stump. In the recent campaigns of this city and county, which have re- 
sulted in the overthrow of ring rule, he has been especially active. 

"Mr. McGee is a man of strong will, but of good judgment, affable manners 
and kindly disposition, and may safely be said to have no enemies and many 
friends. As a citizen he is public-spirited and ready to assist with his voice and 
purse in every work which is calculated to better the condition of his city, or fel- 
low-men." 

The foregoing is very true and the mention of Mr. McGee's kindly dispo- 
sition most appropriate. Perhaps it would be more literally correct to say his 
courteous disposition; for no man could be more thoughtfully considerate of all 
■who may call upon him during business hours. He belongs to the rather 
small coiupany in every community of really busy and really important men, 
who always have "time" to courteously receive and as courteously dismiss every 
caller, whether he is in fine clothes with afifairs of moment for consideration, or 
only just an every day man on current business. It !:- true, Mr. McGee has 
one great requisite for this admirable trait, and that is his abounding good 
health; but other men equally favored in this respect are lacking in the agree- 
ableness and toleration so marked in him, who it need not be said is one of the 
most constantl\- occupied lawyers in New Jersey. But such men have method; 
they never allow details to master them ; and very seldom do they lock the doors 
■of their sanctums for more than an hour at a time, and rarely with the admoni- 
tion that "they nuist not be disturbed." 

Mr. McGee is socially and politically a club man to an unusual 
extent. He is president of the Union League Club ('yj-'yS), and was 
■one of its original organizers. He is also a member of the Palma and Carteret 
Clubs of Jersey City, also of the University Club, of wliich he was elected presi- 
dent in December, 1897. In a political assemblage, strictly speaking, he is 
conspicuous as vice-presideut of the Republican Central Committee of Huilson 
countv. Turning again to other than local circles, Mr. McCJee is a member 
of the famous Union League Club of Xew York City (181)7); of the Society 
of the Cincinnati, and of the Society of the Sons of the .American Revolution — 
being a hereditary member of both. In religion he is a consistent member of 



14.8 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

the denomination of his family for generations, and a ruHng elder in the First 
Presbyterian Church of Jersey City. 

Referring again to Air. McGee in his profession, quotation is made from 
one of the authorities before mentioned — Whitehead's work — which states : 
"He at once attracted attention by the carefulness which which his cases were 
prepared, and the earnestness and eloquence of their presentation * * * 
and for many years has been counsel of some of the largest railroad, banking 
and insurance corporations of the country." Again: "As an orator on pa- 
triotic, civic and literary occasions, and at social and state dinners his services 
are in frequent demand." 

Special reference should be made among other historic celebrations in which 
Mr. AIcGee has joined, of the Centennial Celebration of the Battle of Springfield, 
New Jersey, held on October 19th, 1896, when Mr. McGee was the orator of 
the day to a large assemblage of distinguished people from all parts of the State. 
There is not space for even a portion of his address on that notable occasion, but 
his remarks were universally applicable in their patriotic significance, and would 
have been as relevant in Boston, or Yorktown. or Philadelphia, almost, as they 
were to the historic surroundings of Springfield and Short Hills, where the 
"Minute Men" in the troublous times of a hundred years ago kept their eyes on 
the British and had a hand in the last struggle presenting the surrender of Lord 
Cornwallis. 

In his domestic relation Mr. ]\IcGee has been twice happily mated; his first 
wife was the daughter of the late Dr. H. S. Harris, of Belvidere, New Jeresy, 
who died May 4th, 1872, leaving one child. 

The present ]\Irs. AIcGee is Julia F., the daughter of the late Judge Ben- 
nington F. Randolph, "whose charming hospitality has made their home a pleas- 
ant one for their family and friends." Air. and Airs. McGee are the parents 
of six children. 

It may be noted in conclusion that Air. AIcGee was ofifered the important 
position of Prosecutor of the Pleas of Hudson county, by Governor Griggs, and 
some of his friends thought it strange that he should refuse an ofHce, carrying 
with it the highest public salary in the county, $8,000. To this it may be said, 
which is quite evident, that Air. AIcGee's regular practice matches that splendid 
salary well enough, while his duties are devoid of the stern and tremendous ap- 
plication incident to the hard work of the Prosecutor's office, and which would 
be of an uncongenial nature to one w^hose whole life has been so surrounded 
with congenial associations and professional achievements in his chosen field 
of civil litigations. 



HON. CHARLES NEWELL FOWLER, 

Present member of Congress from the Eighth Congressional District of Xew 
Jersey, was born November 2, 1852, at Lena. Illinois, being the son of Joshua 
D. and Rachel (Alontague) Fowler, both of whom are now dead. 

The Fowler and Alontague families are of English descent, and were quite 
prominent in the later colonial days of the republic. The ancestors of the for- 




{%iaytA^<:^^<:^j4-c<j~£s,^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 149 

mer settled in the State of \'erniont in 1632, and within the same year tlie Alon- 
tagues settled in Alassachusetts. In 1837 Joshua D. Fowler, the father, re- 
moved to a farm in Illinois, where he died in 1881. The mother died in 1854. 

Charles Newell Fowler was the seventh of a family of eight children. He 
received at first a common school education, and was then prepared for college at 
Beloit, Wisconsin. In 1872 he entered Yale University, from which institu- 
tion he was graduated in 1876. Subsequently he went to Chicago and read law 
in the offices of \\'illiams & Tompjson. and was graduated from the Chicago Law 
School in 1878. 

Mr. Fowler commenced the practice of his profession in Beloit, Kansas. In 
1884 he came to New York State and settled on the Hudson, but in 1885 he 
removed to Cranford, New Jersey, and in 1891 to Elizabeth, where he has since 
resided. 

For ten years Air. Fowler was engaged in the banking business in New York 
City; for five years he w-as chairman of the Republican Central Committee of 
Elizabeth. In 1894 he was elected to Congress as a Republican, receiving a 
plurality of six thousand two hundred and thirty-six votes, Mr. Cleveland hav- 
ing received one thousand five hundred majority. He was unanimously re- 
nominated, was re-elected by a plurality of eleven thousand six hundred and 
forty-four, and is at the present time (1897) a member of the Committee on 
Banking and Currency in the House of Representatives of the United States. 
He is prominently interested in various ways in enterprises of his adopted city. 
He is president of the Board of Trustees of the Pingry School, is a member of 
the L^niversity Club of New York, and also of the Mettano Club of Elizabeth, 
and of the Elizabeth Athletic Club. 

In 1879 Mr. Fowler was married to Miss Flilda S. Heg. daughter of Col. 
H. C. Heg, who was killed at the battle of Chickamauga. Mrs. Fowler received 
her education at Beloit College, Wisconsin, and in Europe. He is a member 
of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth. One child, Charles 
N. Fowler, Jr., was born of this union. 

From an admirable sketch of Mr. Fowler in the Bankers' Magazine for the 
month of June, 1897, we clip the following: 

"During the ten years Mr. Fowler devoted to business, to the exclusion of 
almost every other interest, he became familiar with the conditions and needs 
of every part of the United States, as he traveled much and was constantly 
studying the trend of financial affairs and the rapid development that went on 
from 1884 to 1893. 

"Since he is intense in his nature and persistent in his purpose and when 
it is known that, even in his college days he had a great fondness for political 
economy, sociology and history, it is not strange that after five years of success- 
ful practice at the bar. and ten years of even greater success in business life, with 
a thorough knowledge of business, an intimate acquaintance with all sections of 
the countrv. he should have at once commanded the respect of his fellow mem- 
bers of the house, and by his speeches and contributions to the press upon the 
financial and currency question, attracted the attention of the whole country. 

"His bill for the reformation of the currency question is one of the most 
comprehensive and complete yet formulated, and the thoroughness evidenced 
in its preparation shows a constructive statesmanship of a high order. It has 



I50 l!lC)(iRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

attracted wide pul^lic attention and has commanded the favorable consideration 
of many merchants and hankers throughout the United States, as well as others 
who have given thoughtful regard to the subject. 

"The bill introduced by Mr. Fowler is not a mere amendment to some 
section or part of our present faulty banking system, with a view to patch it up,, 
but a measure involving the readjustment of our national finances and a recom- 
position of our currency, and }-et so carefully have the practical and theoretical 
been blended that no shock can come to the business interests of the country 
during the transition from our present pla,n to the one proposed. 

"The changes to be effected are such as will eventually work almost a com- 
plete resurrection of our currency and banking system, placing them in line with 
the soundest principles derived from experience, but the steps leading to its re- 
formation are so graduated as to avoid any possible confusion or disturbance 
to public credit. Each new provision as it goes into effect will tend to' more 
firmly establish every legitimate enterprise, since it will place the credit currency, 
(the life blood of commerce) upon an indisputal)le basis, and will forever close 
discussion as to what is meant by a dollar. 

"In the preparation of a measure of fiscal reform involving such a wide de- 
parture from the existing imperfect system and to adjust it to the needs of widely 
separated sections of our country with the great diversity of interests, tra- 
ditional predispositions and prejudices and the complex forms of banking or- 
ganizations, the utmost care has been required to meet all reasonable demands 
without the sacrifice of essential principles. 

"It is believed that Mr. Fowler"s bill meets these difficult requirements. 
Every attempt has been made to comply with the just demands of the entire 
country, but no concession has been made to unsound or doubtful expedients. 

"There is undoubtedly a preponderance of opinion in favor of sound money, 
but it has theretofore failed to concentrate itself on some distinct proposition. 
As the measure prepared by Air, Fowler has taken such a broad view of the 
whole country, and is constructed on lines of approved safety it would seem that 
it affords a common ground on which all friends of soimd currency may 
meet. 

"The prominent part taken by Mr. Fowler at the monetary convention lield 
at Indianapolis in January, attracted the attention of all those who are in any 
degree interested in this all important question, while his address, delivered be- 
fore the Massachusetts Reform Club in Boston, on Lincoln's Birthday, February 
last, w'as widely published throughout the country with favorable comment. 

"On April 17th there appeared in the Congressional Record a full exposition 
of the measure lately introduced by him, which must necessarily add greatly 
to his reputation as a deep student, a close observer, a clear reasoner and above 
all a thoroughly practical man. He has considered the question involved so 
broadly, fully and repletely that every man who is studying the subject of na- 
tional finance and currency should send to him lor a copy of this address. 

"In conclusion it is most gratifying to observe that, however active Mr. 
Fowler has been in his various vocations of life, he has ahvays identified him- 
self with every public movement that has tended to improve, elevate and amelio- 
rate the condition of life in the community where he resides. But he has been 
particularly interested in the future of boys, and has done much to advance the 



niOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 151 

interests of the Pingry School, with a college fitting academy of which he is 
president. 

"Should Congress pass a joint resolution authorizing to appoint a monetary 
commission, Mr. Fowler is certainly well fitted for appointment as one of the 
number. 

"Speaker Reed in placing Air. Fowler on the Banking and Currency Com- 
mittee of the House greatly promoted the cause of sound currency. His study 
and experience and his efforts to harmonize opposing elements and crystalize 
public opinion on the subject of financial reform, have caused him to be a valu- 
able member of the committee, and have made his name prominent in connection 
with the championship of the banking and currency committee of the I'ifty-fifth 
Congress." 

Before the assemblying of the present Congress in speaking of the Cur- 
rency Committee, the New York "Tribune" urged the appointmnet of M.r 
Fowler as a member of that body, should such a committee be created, and 
said: "As a banker Mr. Fowler is necessarly familiar with the monetary system 
of the world, but besides his practical knowledge he has made a special study of 
the whole subject, with particular reference to the changes needed in the methods 
operated here. Mr. Fowler's eminence as anthority has already been recog- 
nized in various quarters. Last fall he neglected his own campaign work to do 
service in the West and his speeches there attracted great attention. Through 
the newspapers and magazines Mr. Fowler has also made numerous contribu- 
tions to the discussion of this problem, and even the strongest oponent of his 
views concede that the propositions which he advances are supported by him in 
a tolerant, vet forceful and logical manner." 



JOHN DANE, JR., 



The subject of the present sketch, was born in \^^estford, Massachusetts, Septem- 
ber 22(1, 1835. Having read law with VV. A. Webster, Escj., of Lowell, he was 
admitted to the bar of that state in 1859, and thereafter to practice in the United 
States Supreme, and in various other Federal Courts in different parts of the 
L^nion. 

That he might more intelligently and successfully ser\-e his clients in com- 
mercial and patent litigation, Mr. Dane proceeded, after his admission to the bar, 
to make himself familiar in a practical way with the methods of genera! commer- 
cial business, engineering, practical sciences, and with the construction and oper- 
ation of general machinery, et cetera, in all the details pertaining to such mat- 
ters, with the result that he received as rewards for proficiency in the latter 
branches no less than five medals. In 1871 he established offices in the City 
of New York, since which time he has l)cen continuously in active practice of the 
law, and has been and is now, counsel for a number of extensive manufacturing 
and other corporations engaged in industrial pursuits, whose business extends 
to nearly every part of this country and Europe. Consequently his personal 
appearance is required more or less in tlic principal cities throughout the coun- 
trv. attending tf) the litigations of his clients. 



,152 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

His clientage embraces some of the most extensive and best known con- 
cerns of Xew England, Middle and Western States, also some European con- 
cerns, some of whom he has served continuously for more than twenty-five 
years. His labors in their behalf have been so satisfactory that several of them 
secure his services as counsel year after year by the payment of annual re- 
tainers. 

Mr. Dane is an indefatigable worker and seldom wearies of his labors, not- 
withstanding the fact that for the last twenty years, owing to the demands for 
his services he has been compelled to devote largely of his nights as well as 
days to the interests of his clients. Although his health has been brought low 
more than once because of excessive over-work, a remarkable constitution which 
he appears to possess, doubtless saved him. 

He has the reputation from many clients whom he has long served, of being 
a most careful, conscientious, and faithful counsellor, never advising litigation 
if it is possible to avoid it and maintain, or secure the proper and rightful inter- 
ests due to his clients. For this reason he is extremely careful in giving 
opinions until after a most careful and exhaustive investigation of all facts relat- 
ing to the subject under consideration. Even then, it is said, that his opinions, 
as a rule, are usually reduced to writing in order that there should be no misun- 
derstanding between client and counsel respecting conclusions, nor of the basis 
upon which such are arrived at, and it is said that these cautious methods have 
crowned his efforts with success. Because of his thoroughness, fairness and 
well-known integrity, he has during the last twenty years been frequently em- 
ployed to arbitrate between disputants for the purpose of adjusting their differ- 
ences out of court. In some cases even after causes had been docketed for 
trial, they were withdrawn, submitted to and satisfactorily disposed of by him. 
Some of them have involved several hundred thousand dollars, and it is said 
that in every instance the adjustments by him of such cases have been considered 
reasonable, and accepted as sound and just by the parties in interest. Of late 
years his practice has been confined almost exclusively to suits in the United 
States courts in different parts of the country, relating chiefly to general cor- 
poration and patent litigation for which he has especially prepared himself. His 
success has been phenomenal and most gratifying to his clients and friends. 
During the last twenty-five years he has, single-handed and successfully, con- 
ducted a large number of very important and extensive litigations involving 
large interests, in which he has been opposed by an array of adversaries com- 
posed of some of the most distinguished lawyers of this country. 

He descended from a Puritanical stock noted for their honorable character- 
istics, strict integrity, and fairness. His father was born in Lowell, .Massachu- 
setts, April, 1799, a descendant of Dr. John Dane, a physician and surgeon of 
considerable note, who with his brother Francis Dane, emigrated to this coun- 
try from England in 1636, and settled at .\gawam (now Ipswitch). 

I'rancis was the second minister of Andover, that state, and was there or- 
dained in 1648. He took— the— l^ad against the persecutions of the so-called 
witches of that period with so much vigor as to efTectually terminate the proceed- 
ings which, for a time, were so unmercifully waged against them. The Hon. 
Nathan Dane, LL. D., the founder of the "Dane Law School," of the Harvard 
Universitv, the author of Dane's Abridgement of American Law, and one of the 



> 4_ 

« o 

m X 





V 





BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 153 

founders of the first Temperance Societies in this country, who also was the 
author of the celeljrated ordinance for the government of the territory of the 
United States northwest of the Ohio River, forever prohibiting involuntary ser- 
vitttde therein, was a son of Dr. John Dane, as was also the Hon. Joseph Dane, 
of Maine. 

John and Francis descended from that branch of the Danes, of France, of 
whom Peter, born at Paris in 1497, was one. Peter Dane became a professor 
of Greek in the Royal College, and was an active member of the Council of 
Trent, a preceptor to the Dauphin, (after Francis II). Was Bishop of Lavan 
i" 1557' ^ noted author, a speaker of connnanding eloquence, renowned for his 
charity to the poor and the embodiment of unaffected piety. He died in 1557. 

Mr. John Dane, Jr., has resided in Essex county continuously for more than 
thirty-five years, and is the owner of considerable valuable property in New Jer- 
sey. He strongly endorses the public park scheme of Essex county as being 
one of the most important, timely and wise undertakings for the future well-be- 
ing of the eastern part of the State that has ever been attempted. During the 
winter months he occupies, with his family, his capacious house on Park avenue 
in the City of Orange, and in the stmimer, his beautiful park-home "Holly- 
wood," on Orange Mountain, which is said to be one of the most beautiful pri- 
vate parks in that part of the State. The grounds were purchased by him 
more than twenty years ago, when he at once proceeded to erect buildings thereon 
and lay out lawns, groves, drives, walks, deer enclosures, lakes, et cetera, 
with shrubberv and llowers in profusion and variety. These with an extensive 
area of natural forest, form a home-park of unusual diversity and beauty. 

Mr. Dane has also a large and valuable law library, and in addition a very 
choice and extensive home library of general and special literature, consisting 
in part of Historical, Biographical, Scientific and Religious Works, Travels, Dis- 
coveries, Prehistoric Research, Ancient and Modern Arts in general, and many 
rare works, aggregating in all several thousand volumes. Three elegant copper- 
plate views of Hollywood accompany this article. 

He married Miss Francis Whitne\-, of Augusta, IMaine, in i860. His only 
daughter living, is the wife of Mr. J. E. \Miitney, a merchant of Eioston, Mas- 
sachusetts, where they reside. 

His oldest son, Charles P'rancis. is also a member of the New York bar, 
where he has practiced for several years; Herbert Evelyn, another son, is at the 
present time a student in the "New York Law School." Mr. Dane has two 
other sons, Frederic Willis and Clifford Franklin. 



HON. AMZI DODD, 



A distinguished son of New Jersey, late \'ice-Chancellor and for ten years a 
Special Justice of the Court of Errors and .\ppeals of that Commonwealth, and 
since 1882, President of the ^Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, of New- 
ark, was born in what is now the township of Montclair, then part of the town- 
ship of Bloomfield, Essex county. New Jersey, on March 2, 1823. Judge Dodd 
descends from Daniel Dodd (or Dod, as the name was formerly spelled), an 



154 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JEKSl-.Y. 

English I'uritaii who came to America about 1646, and wliose son, also named 
Daniel, was one of the founders of Newark, being among those of the people of 
Branford, Conn., who settled there with the Rev. Abraham Pierson, in 1666. 
The younger Dodd was a very able mathematician, followed surveying as a pro- 
fession, and was honored, in 1692, by being chosen a member of the Colonial 
General Assembly. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was General 
John Dodd, who lived and died in Bloomfield. He was a surveyor, a local 
magistrate, much sought after and employed as executor, trustee and convey- 
ancer. His son, the late Dr. Joseph Smith Dodd, the father of Amzi, and a 
graduate of the College of New Jersey (Princeton) in 1813, was for upwards of 
thirty years a leading practitioner of medicine in Bloomfield, N. J., his native 
place, where he died, rich in the love and esteem oT his fellow-citizens, on Sep- 
tember 5, 1847. Doctor Dodd's wife, the mother of Amzi, was Alaria. daughter 
of the Rev. Stephen Grover, for fifty years pastor of the Presbyterian Church at 
Caldwell, N. J., and one of the most beloved and honored divines of his day. 
Amzi Dodd was the second son of his parents. He was carefully educated at 
home and at the Bloomfield Academy, and in 1839 was so well advanced in his 
studies that he found no difficulty in securing admission to the Sophomore class 
at the College of New Jersey, his father's alma mater. In 1841 had completed 
the full course and was graduated with the highest honors, being chosen to de- 
liver the Latin salutatory at the commencement in September of that year. 
Among his classmates who have risen to distinction may be mentioned the Rev. 
Dr. Theodore Cuyler, the eminent Brooklyn divine; Rev. Dr. Duffield, of 
Princeton University ; Francis P. Blair, late of Missouri ; John T. Nixon, United 
States District Judge; Edward W. Scudder of the New Jersey Supreme Court; 
Rev. Dr. Potter, of Ohio; Prof. A. Alexander Hodge, Hon. Craig Biddle, and 
others in legal and ministerial life. During the ensuing four years he was en- 
gaged in teaching, principally in Virginia, but having the intention of becoming 
a lawyer, he read law diligently and gave his vacations to acquiring a prac- 
tical insight into its intricacies by attendance and service in the office of Messrs. 
Miller and ^^''helpley, prominent lawyers at Morristown, N. J. In January, 
1848, he was duly licensed as an attorney and admitted to the New Jersey bar; 
and shortly afterward became associated in legal business with the Hon. Fred- 
erick T. Frelinghu\sen, then an eminent practitioner at the bar, and later Sec- 
retary of State of the United States. In 1850 Mr. Dodd severed this connection 
to devote himself to the duties of the office of clerk of the Common Council of 
Newark. For three years he held this position, maintaining his own law offices 
and attending to such practice as came his way. This finally grew to such 
volume that he resigned the office named in order the more fully to devote him- 
self to regular professional work. Early connected with corporation and fidu- 
ciary afifairs, led him largely into legal departments, calling for judicial, rather 
than forensic powers. Although occasionally taking part in litigated cases in 
court, he was far less inclined to jury trials than to arguments to the bench, in 
which his intellect and also his temperament found far more congenial exercise. 
Mr. Dodd early developed ability as a public speaker. His first effort of conse- 
quence was a Fourth of July oration, delivered in the First Presbyterian Church 
at Newark, in 1851. "His panegyric upon Washington fell from his tongue 
deep into every heart, and for many a day the young orator's name was on every 



r.KMlRAPHICAL HISTORY (^F XEW JERSEY. 155 

lip." Later effort about this time, were a literary address at commencement 
at Princeton, and a discourse before the Essex County Bible Society, of which 
he was President. Opposed to the extension of slavery to the territories, he 
was one of that resolute little band of anti-slavery men who raised their voices 
in loud protest against the movement in its favor, and as a "Free-Soiler" aided in 
the formation of the Republican party, and became an active champion of its 
principles. In 1856 he was selected to lead the fight in Essex and Hudson 
counties, being chosen as the Republican nominee for Congress in the district 
they constituted; and in this campaign, as well as in that of i860, which re- 
sulted in the election of Lincoln, he won new laurels as an orator. In 1863 he 
was elected by the Republicans of Essex county to the New Jersey Legislature, 
but declined a second term. Brilliant, logical and powerful as an orator, he 
might, had he so willed, have achieved forensic distinction equal to that of his 
most gifted contemporaries. There was that in his nature, however, which in- 
clined him to the role of counsellor rather than to that of advocate; and while 
gracefully \ielding to the calls made upon him to deliver lectures before lyceums 
and institutions of learning, and to greet his old classmates at Princeton in an 
anniversary oration, he gradually relinquished his public oratorical efforts, the 
more completely to devote himself to the demands of professional work. These 
demands have been rather upon his judgment as a man of great legal attain- 
ments and professed knowledge of business as conducted in all pursuits of life, 
than upon his abilities as an advocate, and in the end has given him as large 
a field of usefulness and have brought him as much distinction and honor as 
would have been likely to result from the exercise of his oratorical powers. As 
a faithful attorney, a judicious counsellor, and a master of legal learning, ]\Ir. 
Dodd became widely known in the State, and took rank with the ablest of his 
colleagues. It was not surprising therefore, that, when in 187 1, the business 
of 'the Court of Chancery became so pressing that Chancellor Zabriskie was 
obliged to ask for the appointment of Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Dodd was selected 
fur the position. Appointed thereto by Governor Randolph, he was immedi- 
atelv confirmed and at once entered upon the duties of this judicial office. In 
tht delicate and important work thus assigned to him, he was engaged continu- 
ouslv until 1875, when he resigned. In 1872 he was nominated by Governor 
Pat ker and confirmed by the Senate as one of the Special Justices of the Court 
of Errors and Appeals, the highest judicial tribunal in the State. In 1878, to- 
ward the close of his term as Justice of the Court, the Governor of the State, 
Gen. George B. McClellan, wrote him as follows: 

"State of New Jersey, Executive Department, 

"Trenton, January 18, 1878. 
"Hon. .\mzi Dodd, Xewark. 

"Dear Sir: — Although your term of ofifice as a member of the Court of 
Appeals does not expire for several weeks, there are reasons which seem to ren- 
der it advisable for me to take measures to fill the appointment at an early day. 
I do not care to make a nomination without first ascertaining the wishes of the 
partv most interested, and I, therefore, write to say to you that it will afford me 
pecuiiai satisfaction to be permitted to nominate you as your own successor. 
Perhaps you will pardon me for saying that I am led to this determination by the 



156 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

high estimate in which you are lield by aU who have been thrown in contact 
with you. \'erv truly and respectfully vour obedient servant, 

"(Signed)' ' " GEORGE B. McCLELLAN." 

To this flattering and distinguished recognition of his services accompanied 
by so earnest a suggestion that he accept re-appointment. Judge Dodd returned 
an affirmative reply, whereupon Governor McClellan made the appointment, 
sending with his commission the following complimentary letter: 

"State of New Jersey, Executive Department, 

"Trenton, February 7, 1878. 
"Hon. Amzi Dodd, Court of Errors and Appeals. 

"My Dear Sir: — I take great pleasure in forwarding to you the new com- 
mission for the ofSce you now hold. This appointment was made solely in con- 
sequence of your eminent merit and without solicitation from any quarter, and 
it is very gratifying to me that you have consented to accept it. Very truly 
your friend, 

"(Signed) GEO. B. McCLELLAN." 

In 1881 Judge Dodd was again called to serve the State as Vice-Chancel- 
lor, taking the office at the request of Chancellor Runyon; but in the following 
year he resigned this position, and also his seat upon the bench of the Court 
of Errors and Appeals, being moved to do so by the pressure brought to bear 
upon him to accept the presidency of the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Com- 
pany of Newark — a corporation with which he had been officially connected 
as mathematician for nearly twenty years. In this office he succeeded his 
friend, Mr. Lewis C. Grover, who had resigned. In 1875 Judge Dodd was 
appointed a member of the New Jersey Board of Riparian Commissioners by 
Governor Bedle, and held that position until April, 1887. In 1876 the Su- 
preme Court of the State appointed him one of the managers of the New Jersey 
Soldiers" Home. In this service — a gratuitous one — he has continued down 
to the present day, laboring with zeal and scrupulous fidelity in the interests of 
these veteran wards of the State. It is a noteworthy circumstance that though 
of pronounced Republican political views, the several public offices he has held 
have been by appointments received from Democratic administrations, and, it 
is to be added, unsolicited on his part. From May. 1871, to February, 1882, 
as has already appeared, Mr. Dodd was engaged in judicial duties. His opin- 
ions as an equity judge are to be found in the New Jersey Reports, volumes 
22 to 34 inclusive; and as a member of the Court of Errors and Appeals, the 
court of last resort for the review of the Supreme, Chancery, and inferior courts, 
his opinions are in volumes 36 to 42 inclusive. They are regarded by legal 
men as possessing superior merit and belonging to the best class of judicial pro- 
ductions. Some of them have become authoritative cases in important ques- 
tions. One of the most notable is that of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company 
against the National Railroad Company, decided in 1873, and recorded in \'ol- 
ume 7, C. E. Gr. 441. The decree of \'ice-Chancellor Dodd in this case was 
supported by a train of argumentation so clear and conclusive that no appeal 
was taken from it. though great property interests as well as public questions of 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 157 

great importance were involved. The result of the injunction issued against 
the defendant, prohibiting the construction of the proposed road was the pas- 
sage soon after of the general railroad law of the State, in pursuance of the sug- 
gestions in the opinion that such a law was the necessary means for obtaining 
what the judicial tribunals under existing laws could not assume to supply. In 
a well-known historical account of New Jersey legislation, this celebrated case 
is spoken of as follows: 

"Chancellor Zabriskie was in Europe at the time, and the application for 
injunction restraining the construction of the new road was made to Amzi 
JJodd, the Mce-Chancellor, the peer of the Chancellor in legal skill and learn- 
ing. The hearing extended during several months. The Chancery Court 
rooms, the morning he read his opinion, were crowded to suffocation. The ex- 
citement created by this decision was simply enormous. Coming on the eve 
of the decisive battle between the two corporations in the halls of the Legis- 
lature, then in session, its importance may be imagined, but its effect can scarcely 
be described. The Vice-Chancellor was praised and denounced bv turns, com- 
mended for having stamped on a vicious abuse of the State's highest preroga- 
tive, and denounced by the men who had expected to profit by the fraud. His 
decision helped to give new force to the drift of public sentiment. The peo- 
ple had been impatient of the monopoly that sought to keep every competing 
line out of the State, and their sympathies had been given to those interested 
in the new line movement. But the suspicions with which the revelations made 
during the course of this litigation had covered them, now made them objects 
of distrust. The only escape from these men on the one side and the legisla- 
tive monopoly on the other was a bill that should open the wav for the use of 
the soil to all roads with wise restrictions; and so an enormous impulse was 
given to the demand for a free and general railroad enactment." 

Retiring from judicial life in 1882 to become the President of the Mutual 
Benefit Life Insurance Company, of which he had been for many years the ad- 
vising mathematician, and one of its directors, Mr. Dodd has since given his at- 
tention to the large affairs of that great institution. He succeeded as mathe- 
matician the late Joseph P. Bradley, Justice of the Supreme Court of the United 
States. The love of mathematical studies, common to both, was indulged dur- 
ing many years prior to the Justice's death, in their letters to each other on 
scientific and literary topics. The fondness of Judge Bradley for studies in most 
of the departments of knowledge is well known. His letters evince his appre- 
ciation of the like taste and pursuits in Mr. Dodd; whose large collection of 
books, new and old, relating to science, literature, history and theologv, has 
long made his home the most attractive of places to himself for recreation from 
professional work, and for the enjoyment of his family and friends. In 1874 
he received the degree of LL. D. from his Alma Mater. Judge Dodd's active 
and useful life has been absolutely free from sensational attempts to arrest pub- 
lic attention and singularly devoid of ostentation; }et no man in the State is bet- 
ter known, more highly respected, or more popular. Married in 1832 to Miss 
Jane Frame, a daughter of ;\Ir. William Frame, of Bloonifield. he resided in 
the City of Newark until the summer of i860, when he removed to his present 
home in llloomfield. His domestic life has been a delightful one, and the 
social position of his family has always been second to none. Of the nine chil- 



158 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

dren of the marriage, three daughters and three sons are Uving. The eldest, 
JuHa, is the wife of Rev. H. B. Frissell, D. D , principal of the Hampton (\'a.) 
Normal and Agricultural Institute, the able successor of General Armstrong, 
its famous founder. One of the daughters, Caroline, is the wife of Leonard 
Richards, a New York merchant, and the third, Louise, unmarried, resides 
with her parents. One of the sons, William S. Dodd, is a lawyer; one, Edward 
^^'helpley, is in business, and the third, Joseph Smith Dodd, is a practicing phy- 
sician. 



NICHOLAS C. J. ENGLISH, 

Englishtown, Monmouth county. New Jersey, received its name from James 
English, who settled there in 1737. His grandson was James Robinson Eng- 
lish, a business man of Englishtown, and his son, the Rev. James T. Eng- 
lish, the father of Nicholas C. J. English, was a prominent minister in the Pres- 
byterian Church, who removed from that place to Somerset county many years 
since. 

The Rev. James T. English was prominent among the clergy of his church, 
and filled his only appointment for the long period of thirty-five years He 
was a graduate of L"nion College of Xew York, subsequently of the Theological 
Seminar) at Princeton, Xew Jersey, and was called to Liberty Corner, Somer- 
set county, Xew Jersey, — the only pastorate held by him, and one in which he 
remained till the time of his death. His wife was Mary Elizabeth Jobs, daugh- 
ter of Nicholas C. Jobs, prominent as a justice of the peace, a Member of the 
Assembly for several terms, and postmaster for his town for nearly fifty years. 
There were born of this union four sons and one daughter. Of the sons 
three became lawyers and one a physician, all prominent in their professions. 

Xicholas C. J. English was born at Liberty Corner, Somerset county, 
November 4, 1842, and, as his parentage shows, came from old New Jersey 
stock. He received a good common-school education, and was then so tor- 
oughly prepared for college at Basking Ridge, New Jersey, as to enter the 
Sophomore class at Princeton. Basking Ridge was four miles away, but young 
English went daily from his home to that place, much of the time on foot, until 
his labors were completed. In 1865 he graduated among the honor men of his 
class, and immediately afterward commenced the study of the law. under the 
direction of his brother. James R. English, with whom he was associated in the 
practice of his profession for twenty-five years. The firm of J. R. & N. English 
composed of the two brothers, has done a very extensive business, the members 
having a high professional standing among the more important leading business 
men and great corporations of Eastern New Jersey, As a lawyer Mr. English 
has an enviable reputation for sterling honesty, and is esteemed as a counsellor 
in civil, rather than in criminal cases. His practice, in consequence, is largely 
in the settling of corporation suits, trusts and chancery cases, in which the firm 
was most reputably known. He cares little for office or political preferment, 
but has been, however, somewhat prominently identified from time to time with 
the affairs of the citv government, and with various enterprises in Elizabeth. 




/^.//>. 



^"-zTT^Cf/y 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 159 

He was one of the directors in the extension of the hne of the Lehigh \alley 
Railroad Company, is a director of the First National Bank of Elizabeth, is a 
trustee of the Pingry School, and with the late Hon. James S. Green founded 
the Elizabeth General Hospital: is also identified with other interests of his 
city and state. 

There is no spot on earth more dear to Mr. English than his home. His 
vas a happy union, in 1870. with Miss Ella J. Hall, daughter of William Hall, 
Esq., of Perth Amboy. Xew Jersey. Mr. Hall, now in the evening of his days, 
has been one of the most progressive and successful business men of that city. 

Two sons were the fruit of this union. One, William H., died before 
graduating from Princeton College, of which he w-as a student. The other son, 
Conover. is now- pursuing a course of instruction in the same institution. 

Mr. English is an elder in the Second Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth, and 
is actively identified with the interests of that society, giving of his means liber- 
ally for charitable purposes. Mt. English considers himself identified also with 
the interests of old Somerset county, as he owns the old homestead farm, at 
Liberty Corner, where he was born and where he spends part of the time each 
_\ear. This farm has been owned successively by members of the family for five 
generations. During the Revolution it was the scene of stormy events, and 
traditions of Indian. French and British soldiers cluster around it. 



WILLIAM B. GOODSPEED, 

Was born in Hyannis. Alassachusetts. June 15, 1845. His ancestors were 
among the earliest settlers of Massachusetts, the maternal line (Howlands) com- 
ing over in the Mayflower. 

In early boyhood he was infatuated with the sea. Having five uncles who 
were sea captains, he made a trip with one of them, sailing as cabin boy from 
Boston, but changing his mind regarding a seafaring life when outside of the 
harbor, he was placed on board of a passing pilot boat bound for Xew York. 
His family having moved to Hoboken, Xew Jersey, at the age of sixteen he went 
as messenger boy in the First Xational Bank of Hoboken. He was gradually 
promoted, until he reached the position of cashier, holding that position from 
1883 until the time of his death. — which occurred suddenly from apoplexy. Jan- 
uary 3. 1899. 

Mr. Goodspeed was the confidential adviser of many widows and orphans, 
and was of exceptionally sound judgment on all financial matters. In politics 
he was a Republican. In East Orange, N, J., September, 1878, he was married to 
Marv A., daughter of William G. Shepherd and Augusta B. Taylor. Airs. 
Goodspeed's grandfather, Benjamin S. Taylor, who was prominent in business 
and financial circles in Hoboken, New Jersey, was president of the Hoboken 
Savings Bank and also of the First Xational Bank, and his son-in-law, William 
G. Shepherd, the father-in-law of William B. Goodspeed, was also in turn, presi- 
dent of both banks. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Goodspeed were. William 
Starr. Arthur Baxter. Shepherd. Aline Augusta, and three others who died 
in infancv. 



i6o BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

In i8(j3 Mr. Goodspeed moved to Suiiiniit. Xcw Jersey, from East Orange, 
where be had resided since 1878. 



RALPH B. GOWDY. 



The Scotch-Irish race has furnished many distinguished and patriotic citi- 
zens to this country. They are scattered throughout the various states, and 
are eminent in business as well as in statesmanship, politics and war. Among 
the successful and highly esteemed business men and citizens of Toms River, 
Ralph B. Gowdy maintains an honorable position. Bom in Enfield, Conn., 
in 1832, he is the son of Daniel and Anna (Harper) Gowdy, both of Scotch-Irish 
ancestry. The Gowd}- family settled in Hartford county. Conn., about the year 
1700, and were among the earliest settlers there. The paternal grandfather 
of Captain Gowdy, Daniel Gowdy, owned a large and valuable tract of land, and 
was a prominent and successful farmer. The famous Hazard Powder Works 
are located on land originally owned by him. Daniel Gowdy's father, the great- 
grandfather of our subject, was also named Daniel, was a farmer by vocation, a 
man of wealth, and was the original purchaser of the Gowdy tract of land in 
Enfield, which is still owned b}- the descendants. The maternal grandfather of 
our subject was William Harper, long familiarly known as Colonel Harper, He 
was a farmer and a merchant, and an old fashioned progressive and successful 
business man. Being a public-spirited citizen and a man of afifairs, he was hon- 
ored by his fellow citizens with election to positions of public trust. He was 
also a colonel in the State Militia. A branch of the Harper family emigrated 
from Connecticut to New York, settling at Harpersfield, the place being named 
for them, as they were the first settlers. William Harper married a Miss Bart- 
let, a member of a very influential family, many of whom were eminent educa- 
tors of their day, of real blue-blooded Presbyterian stock, and several of them 
prominent ministers of that church. They were men of noted ability, accumu- 
lated considerable wealth, and moved in the highest social circles of their com- 
munity. Daniel Gowdy, father of our subject, married Anna Harper, by whom 
he had three children. She died in 1853. The children were as follows: 
Daniel R., deceased, James G , and Ralph B. The father died in 1876, at the 
age of seventy-si.x years. 

Captain Ralph B. Gowdy having received his primary education at the 
district schools of Enfield, entered the seminary at Norwich, Mass., from which 
excellent institution he graduated in 1847. For four years afterward he was 
employed as a clerk in the store of C. B. Root & Co , at Greenfield, Mass. He 
then formed a partnership with his brother, James G., and carried on a store 
and tinware business in Rhode Island for two years with success. .A.t the ex- 
piration of the above period their store and its contents were entirely destroyed 
by fire, and the two brothers were left almost penniless. In order to seek for- 
tune in new fields of enterprise Captain Gowdy went to California in 1850, the 
gold fever being at that time at its height. He remained in California four 
years, spending two in the gold fields and the other two in San Francisco, where 
he was engaged in merchandising. Returning East in 1855 he located in 



^^^ ^^ 




6-f U)r J lA^-aLd-C^^^yl^ 



~> 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. i6i 

Gloucester county, New Jersey, and engaged in the real estate business for a 
period of five years, when he removed to Toms River, which place has since 
been his home and the scene of his activities and labor. In Toms River he pur- 
chased property and engaged in merchandising and in the real estate business, 
his partners in the former business being a Mr. Read and a Mr. Abbe, the firm 
name of Gowdy, Read & Abbe. Two years later Captain Gowdy disposed of 
his interest in this firm and withdrew from the same, and thenceforth devoted 
his time and energies almost exclusively to the real estate and cranberry busi- 
ness. He was one of the first to develope the cranberry business in 
C)cean county, and to establish it on a scale of any considerable magni- 
tude. In partnership with his brothers, Uaniel R. and James G., he furnished 
employment to a large number of men, and carried on a business amovmting to 
several hundred thousand dollars per year. While Captain Gowdy is still en- 
gaged in the enterprise, yet it is not on so large a scale as in former years. He 
still carries on a large real estate business, and has done more to build up and 
improve the town of Toms River than any other man in Ocean county. In 
addition to the above business interests. Captain Gowdy has, for several years, 
been extensively engaged in the carriage business, having the largest carriage 
repository in the State of New Jersey, located at Red liank, which is in charge 
of his son, Fred B. 

Captain Gowdy is a Republican in politics, takes a great interest in the pub- 
lic affairs of his State and county, and has been honored by his fellow citizens 
with election to several positions of trust. He was a member of the township 
Board of Commissioners of .Appeals for twenty years. He, however, cares lit- 
tle for political honors or office, being at all times more willing to aid his friends 
than to accept public honors himself. He is a member of the Masonic order, 
and of the Presbyterian Church. 

In 1862 he was commissioned Captain by Governor ( )lden, and raised a 
company of one hundred men, which was assigned to the Fourteenth New Jer- 
sey \ olunteer Infantry. He was in conmiand of his regiment for more than a 
year, and participated in many skirmishes and in one of the great battles of the 
war. He was honorably discharged from the service in October, 1863. In 
1854 Captain Gowdy married Susan W. Fankin, the daughter of William C. 
Fankin, of (jloucester county, New Jersey. She died in 1857. I" 1862 he mar- 
ried Rebecca M. Barnard, daughter of Captain Charles G. Barnard, of Mas- 
sachusetts. She died in 1893, leaving three children, as follows: Ralph H. 
Frederic B. and Ray. Captain Gowdy was again married in 1895, to Eleanor 
W. Stanwood. of Monmouth coimty. New Jersey. 



REV. ELIJAH W. STODDARD, D. D., 

Of Succasunna. is a descendant of .\nthnny .Stoddard, of I'.ostnn. who, in 1639, 
emigrated from London, where the records of the family are traced back to 
1490. The tradition is that their ancestor came with his cousin, William the 
Concjueror, from Normandy, in 1066. The name Stoddard was derived from the 
1 1 



i62 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

office of standard bearer. There were fourteen children in the family of An- 
thony. The eldest son, Solomon, born in 1643, was educated at Harvard Col- 
lege, graduating- in 1662. He entered the ministry and was called in 1669 to 
the church at Northampton, Massachusetts, where he married Mrs. Esther 
Mather, the widow of his predecessor. They had twelve children. Of these 
the oldest three were daughters and married ministers. The second, Esther, 
became the wife of Rev. Timothy Edwards, whose son, Jonathan Edwards, 
was associated with his grandfather in the pastorate at Northampton, and became 
well known as a theological writer. The seventh child, x\nthony Stoddard, 
was born August y, 1678, was graduated at Harvard in 1697, and settled as a 
minister at Woodbury, Connecticut, where he continued for sixty years. His 
predecessor had remained there forty years and his successor held the pastorate 
for fifty years. Eliakim, one of the eleven children of Anthony Stoddard, was 
born April 3, 1705, married Joanne Curtis in 1729, and resided in Woodbury, 
Connecticut. John, the eldest son of nine children, born January 26, 1730, was 
married April 15, 1 75 1, to Mary Atwood and resided in Watertown, Connecti- 
cut. John, the fifth child of nine, born July i, 1763, married Sarah Wood- 
ward in 1785. Their home was in Watertown, Connecticut, until 1802, when 
they removed to Coventry, Chenango county. New York. Central New York 
was then an almost unbroken wilderness, famous for its large pine, hemlock and 
maple trees. The fathers and sons of these New England families began the 
work of clearing the forests. John, the third son and fourth child of nine, was 
born July 15, 1794, and married Merab Parker, in September, 1817. They had 
seven children. 

Elijah Woodward Stoddard, the second son, was born April 2t,. 1820. His 
first view of life was on a forest farm, and during all his minority the clearing of 
new land was a part of each day's toil. The log houses and the log school 
houses were to be seen in all directions. The seats of the school room were 
slabs of pine logs, with two oaken pins at each end for support. The writing 
desk was a smooth board fastened against the wall, and the writer turned his 
back to the school. The pupils usually recited singly, rarely in classes. The 
blackljoard for object teaching was not known. School-going was for three 
or four months in the winter, and a lady teacher took charge of the small scholars 
in the sunmier. Books were few and every child was needed in daily toil. 
Fondness for study alone could insure success, and Elijah Woodward gave 
every moment of leisure to the acquisition of knowledge. The Bible was 
emphatically the book in that Christian household and the lad was taught that 
"the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." At the age of twelve he 
united with the disciples of Him who at that age commenced to teach in the 
temple. 

At eighteen such mastery of the ordinary English branches as enabled him 
"to pass an examination," permitted the beginning of school-teaching. Here 
was enjoyed a privilege at this day unknown, that of "boarding around." Such 
a knowledge of parents and teachers vv'as thus gained as cannot be under the 
present system. Five winters were spent in teaching, the summers passed at 
home. 

At twenty-three years of age the decision for the ministry was reached. 
Norwich and Oxford Academies prepared our subject for Amherst College, 




^,^,^.,.^-/^^^y?'o^..^ /L^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 163 

-which he entered in September, 1845. Graduating in June, 184Q, he entered 
the Union Theological Seminary, of New York, in September of that year, and 
was graduated in May, 1852. He was delegated by the American Home Mis- 
sionary Society to Momence, Kankakee county, Illinois, and labored there a short 
time, when the uncongenial climate made it expedient for him to remove to Haw- 
ley, Pennsylvania. This pastorate continued three years. In Xovember, 1856, 
.a call was received from the Presljyterian Church of Amenia, New York; in 
May, i860, a call to the Presbyterian Church of Angelica, New York, and in 
May, 1864, a call to Succasunna, New Jersey, was accepted. His work here was 
continued till this date by the favor of God and the kindness of this church. 
After Mr. Stoddard's first year in the ministry there were but very few and very 
"brief interruptions from illness. The students of the parish, as they have pur- 
sued their Latin, Greek or mathematics, have spent helpful hours in the pastor's 
study, and gratified his love of teaching. 

In September, 1880, Alaryville College of East Tennessee, conferred upon 
him the unexpected degree of D. D., while those who know him best feel that 
it was an honor given where honor was due. His faithful ministrations have 
given a title to that heart reverence that has no synonym in letters. If we were 
to note some of the characteristics of the man at work, we would say an in- 
tense love of delving into the depths of a subject, which inspires to thorough 
research ; a willingness to undertake any hard work in the line of duty and fol- 
low it patiently to the end; a practical remembrance of the commission, "Feed 
my Sheep," a desire to spend and to be spent in service- a faith that overcomes 
in its every day toils and trials and gives abiding peace; a steadfastness in pur- 
pose that proves the anchorage of hope : a courtesy that illustrates the charity 
that never faileth ; an equipose that will restrain from an impetuous assault on 
the enemy, but that holds and guards and moves steadily forward. But it is at 
the end of the race that the victor is crowned: it is at the harvest home that 
•sheaves can be numbered; it is when work is done that the Master, looking on 
the folded sheep shall say to the shepherd, "Well done, good and faithful ser- 
vant, enter into the joy of thy Lord." 



CAPTAIN ALBERT M. BRADSHAW. 

Prominent among the citizens of New Jersey who, by virtue of what they 
Tiave contributed to the material growth and prosperity of the commonwealth, 
and by reason of their long and uniformly honorable and successful career, as 
well as bv their own personality, have won meritorious recognition, and are 
justly entitled to extended mention in any biographical or historical review of 
the State, is Captain Albert M. Bradshaw, generally known as the father or 
pioneer of Lakewood, N. J. 

Captain Bradshaw was born in New York City, upon the spot where the 
New York "Dailv \\'orld" building now stands. He is the son of John Brad- 
shaw, who was one of the prominent merchants of New York City in his day. 
John Bradshaw was a Whig in his political views, and all of his political ideas 
-were identical with those that were responsible for the inception of the Repub- 



i64 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

lican party. He died in 1856, at the age of eighty-three years. His wife, the 
mother of Captain Bradshaw, was before her marriage, Priscilla Humphrey. 
She was born in Xew York City. 

The subject of this sketch attended the Mechanic Institute School on 
Chambers street, and a private school in East Broadway, where he was living. 
His first employment was in the capacity of clerk in a wholesale fruit establish- 
ment kept by Rich and Knowlton. He remained with them four years, and 
then left to accept a position with James H. Sackett, who was engaged in the 
clothing business. He left this position at the outbreak of the Civil \\'ar. in 
1861, and enlisted in Company "B," 8th Regiment, Xew York \olunteer In- 
fantry, as private (this was the first call for troops). In August. 1862, he was 
appointed First Lieutenant of the 127th Xew York \'olunteer Infantry under 
Colonel William Guerney; Stewart L. Woodford was Lieutenant-Colonel of 
this regiment at the time. July 8th, 1863, he was appointed by President Lin- 
coln Captain and A. O. M.. and was mustered out with this rank 
in 1865. He then embarked in business, purchasing the store known 
as the Bergen Iron \\'orks store, at Bricksburg, now Lakewood. New 
Jersey, and after operating this for two years, he embarked in the 
real estate and insurance business, in which he has remained ever since. 
In the building up and development of Lakewood as the leading winter resort 
of the Xorth, and as one of the most desirable all-the-year-round residence cities 
in the country. Captain Bradshaw has played a conspicuous part, his activity and 
success in that direction, as well as his long residence, earning for him the title 
of "father pioneer" of the community. He has been closely identified with 
every enterprise of any magnitude that has been projected and carried to a suc- 
cessful termination in Lakewood, in all of which he has been one of the prime 
movers and guiding hands. He is a director and secretary of the Lakewood 
Hotel and Land Association, and one of the promoters of the famous Laurel 
House at Lakewood; director and secretary of the Forest Hotel Company, di- 
rector and secretary of the Bricksburg Land and Improvement Company, which 
Company own over eighteen thousand acres of principally pine lands in Ocean 
county; president of the Lakewood Trust Company, which do a general bank- 
ing business; resident director of the American Refrigerator Transit Company; 
is a member of Ocean County Hunt and Country Club, and a member of the 
Golf Club of Lakewood. He is a member of Reno Post, Xumber 84, G. A. R., 
and is a mason; has been High Priest, and was Master of Ocean Lodge, Ximi- 
ber 89, High Priest of Hiram Chapter at Toms River. He at one time was 
proprietor of the Lakewood "Times" and "Journal," and operated it for a num- 
ber of years, but disposed of it in 1896. It was a weekly publication, and was 
organized about 1866 as the Bricksburg "Journal." 

Captain Bradshaw is one of the best known Republicans in the State, and 
while never a seeker for political preferment, has frequently been elected and 
chosen to positions of public honor and trust. In 1866 he was appointed Post- 
master of Bricksburg, and also in i8gi of Lakewood. In January, 1899, he was 
again appointed Postmaster by President McKinley. In 1869 he was elected to 
the State Legislature. He served two terms in the State Legislature, and for 
three years was a chosen freeholder of Ocean county, and for seventeen years 
a Justice of the Peace of the township. He has been a member of the State Re- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 165 

publican Committee since 1892, and was a delegate to the National Republican 
Convention in 1892. that nominated Benjamin Harrison, and to the National 
Republican Convention in St. Louis in 1896, that nominated Major William 
McKinley, and has officiated as a delegate to several state, county and Congres- 
sional conventions. The Captain was married in January, 1863, to Miss Sarah 
A. McGee, daughter of James R. McGee, of Brooklyn, New York, who was 
acting assistant constructor in the United States Navy. At the time of his 
marriage he was on a furlough for a few days from the army. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Bradshaw attend the Episcopal Church at Lakewood, of which Captain 
Bradshaw has served as trustee and warden. Mrs. Bradshaw is also active in 
church work. 

Captain Bradshaw has a wide circle of friends wherever he is known, all 
of whom esteem him highly for his sterling traits of character, and all of whom 
are always ready to bear witness to his worth as a citizen, man and friend. As 
a citizen he is public spirited and progressive; as a man he is broad and liberal 
minded in his views, affable and genial, charitable, and a Christian: as a friend 
he is warm hearted, true and steadfast under any and all circumstances, in sea- 
son and out of season, endearing himself to his friends by his nobility of char- 
acter and his charming personality. 



HON. DAVID A. DEPUE, LL. D., 

Traces his ancestry back to one of the earliest families of the country. The 
name has been variously spelled by writers of early American history; first ap- 
pearing as Depui, then as Depue. and again as Depuis. The family probably 
preceded William Penn to the Keystone State. Samuel Depue, one of the early 
progenitors of the family in America, is spoken of, in 1730, by Nicholas Scull, 
a surveyor, as "the venerable Samuel Depui," and the settlement of Minnesink, 
on the Delaware, where he lived, was founded before William Penn made his 
appearance in America. Samuel Depui, when seen by Mr. Scull, was, doubt- 
less, a man between sixty and seventy years of age; but whether he or his pro- 
genitor were among the original settlers of Minnesink is not certain. He had 
a son named Nicholas, who was born in Minnesink, about the year 1720, and 
who, when old enough, accompanied his father upon his making trips to Eso- 
phus — now Kingston, New York. At that jjlace Nicholas Depuis, or "Nicholas 
Depuis, Esrjuire," as he was afterwards called, settled for a short time, and then 
returned to Minnesink, where, in 1787, he was joined liy Surveyor Scull, residing 
in "a spacious store in great plenty and affluence." Mr. Scull speaks of him 
as "the amiable Nicholas Depuis, Esquire." 

From notes on Budets' .Account of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 1683. we 
find that "Nicholas Depuy, founder of the family, fled from France to Ho'land 
during the persecution of the Huguenots and came to .\merica with his broth- 
ers, Ephraim and Abraham, settling near Kingston, New York." 

Moses Depui, son of Nicholas, first, was one of the charter members of 
Rochester, New York, under the grant of Queen Anne, in 1703. He took the 
oath of allegiance in Ulster county in .1728, his name is given among a "List of 



i66 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Commanding Officers. Miletery and Sivel, old officers and old men." Moses 
Depuy is also mentioned as a Member of Assembly of Ulster county, 1752. 

These men were among the early ancestors of Judge Depue, the subject of 
this sketch. His great-grandfather, Benjamin Depue, served as a commissary 
during the War of the Revolution and married Catherine, daughter of Colonel 
Abraham \'an Campen, a judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Sussex 
county. New Jersey, who held office as colonel in the Colonial x-\rmy. Abraham, 
son of Benjamin Depue, who married Susannah Hofifman. was the grandfather 
of Judge Depue. Benjamin, son of Abraham, who carried down the name of his 
grandfather, Benjamin Depue, was the father of the subject of this sketch. Ben- 
jamin Depue resided at Mt. Bethel, at which place he married Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Moses Ayres. Mrs. Benjamin Depue was known as a most estimal)le wo- 
man: to her careful training and influence nnich of the success of the life of her 
son, the Judge, is attributable. 

To those who may not be uninterested in the historv of this old family, the 
following notes are culled from various sources, archives, ancient manuscripts 
and records of divers kinds. To such we give, in brief, these notes upon the 
Depuy family, in connection with this sketch of Judge David A. Depue, who 
is, as already stated, a descendant of Nicholas Depui mentioned in the beginning 
of this article. Nicholas Depui, who may be called the founder of the family 
in America, "sailed from Artois, on the ship Ourmerland Church, and reached 
New York in October, 1662." He applied, in March, 1663, to the city authori- 
ties "for land, seed and six months" provisions." In June, 1665, he was sworn 
in as "Beer and Weigh-house poster." In 1674 we find him named in a list of 
"the wealthiest citizens," and he is upon record as "paying tax on si.x hundred 
floumes." He lived in what was known as De Markeveth. in the rear of the 
present Produce Exchange. His w'ife was Catharine Renard. Nicholas De- 
pui"s children were: John, born 1656; Moses, born 1657; Joseph, born 1663: 
Aaron, born 1664; Magdelene, born 1667; Susannah, born 1669: Nicholas, 
bcrn 1670: Paulus, born 1675. 

Nicholas" will was proven July, 1691, and he left his property to his wife and 
•surviving children, John, Moses, Aaron, Susannah and Nicholas, "share and 
share alike."' Some time before his death he had been granted a large tract 
of land west of the Hudson, to Ulster county: on this land his son Closes set- 
tled, probably, before his father's death. It is said of Moses, son of Nicholas, 
that "he became the most prominent man in Ulster county." His w'ife was 
Marie, or ^Margaret. Wynkoop. His children were: Moses H,, born 1691, 
married February 14. 1716, to Margaret Schoonmacher; Benjamin, born 1695, 
married September 3, 1719, to Elizabeth Schoonmacher: Catherine, born 1701, 
married May 10, 1722, to Benjamin Schoonmacher: Jacobus, born 1703, mar- 
ried August 20. 1725. to Sarah Schoonmacher: Cornelius, baptised 1688. The 
Schoonmachers were all children of Jacobus Schoonmacher, of Kingston. Nich- 
olas second, probably went to Kingston with his brother Moses. 

Moses H. Depuy, born February 16, 1761, married in 1780, Margaret Van 
Gorden, and lived near the Delaware Water Gap. His children were: Eliza- 
beth C, born March 11, 1781, married Ishabod Baldwin; John C, bom June 
29, 1782, died in prison in Canada, 1812: James C. born July 7, 1784: David C 
born June 5, 1786: William C, born December 7, 1790; Navery C, born De- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 167 

cember 7, 1790, married Christian Beidleman; Elijah C, Ijorn November 14. 
1793; Samuel C, born March 14, 1796, married Hannah Rewalt; Benjamin 
C, born July 16, 1799, married Betsy Smith, of Wallpack, New Jersey; Delilah 
C, born August 19, 1801. James (3) married Jane DeWitt, December 10, 
1809, and went to live near Geneva, New York. 

Of the genealogical record of the Depue family branch of which the subject 
of our sketch belongs we give the following table: Nicholas Depui, founder of 
the family in America, married Catherina Renard; Moses, born 1657, married 
;\Iarie Wynkoop; Benjamin, born 1695, married Elizabeth Schoonmacher, Sep- 
tember 13, 1719. died 1765; Benjamin, son of the last named, born in Esopus, 
now Kingston, New York, 1729, married Catherine \'an Campen, daughter of 
Col. Abram Van Campen, and died 181 1; Abraham, born September 28, 1765, 
married Susannah Hoffman, died October 21, 1851; Benjamin, born September 
I, 1796, married Elizabeth Ayres, died June 18, 1884; David Ay res, born Oc- 
tober 27, 1826, married first Mary V. Stuart, and second, Delia A. Slocum. 

We are indebted to Mrs. L. E. Schoonmacher, of Stone Ridge, New York, 
H. T. Depuy, of New York City, to the Colonial Archives of Pennsylvania, to 
the records of the First Dutch Church of Kingston, New York, to the History 
of Kingston, New York, and that of Sussex county. New Jersey, as well as :o 
Mrs. David Lawrence Gregg, of Salt Lake City, for a transcript from a family 
Bible in her possession, for the information furnished above. 

David Ayres Depue, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Ayres) Depue, was 
born at Mount Bethel, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, October 2j, 1826. 
The Ayres family, to which Mrs. Benjamin Depue belonged, is one of anticpiity. 
Originally the name Ayres and Eyres were indentical, their origin is traced to 
a knight of the time of William the Conqueror. 

The preparatory education of David A. Depue, the subject of our sketch, 
was received at the school of Rev. John \'anderveer, D. D., a well known edu- 
cator of his day. in Easton, Pennsylvania. Having attained a thorough aca- 
demic training, Mr. Depue entered the College of New Jersey at Princeton, New 
Jersev, where he was graduated in 1846. His parents had removed from Penn- 
sylvania to Belvidere, New Jersey, in 1840, their son, therefore, immediately 
after graduation, commenced the reading of law in that place, entering for that 
purpose the ofSce of John M. Sherrerd, who, for more than forty years was a 
leader of the bar of Northern New Jersey. 

After his admission to the bar Mr. Depue began his professional life in 
Belvidere, and laid for himself in that place, and during his early days as a prac- 
titioner, the foundation upon which has been built his subsecjuent success and 
eminence at the bar and upon the bench. 

In 1866 he was appointed by Governor Marcus I. \\'ar<l .Associate Jus- 
tice of the Supreme Court, and shortly afterward removed to Newark, Essex 
coimtv. New Jersey, which county, together with Union county, was embraced 
in the circuit to which he was assigned. 

In T873. on the expiration of this term, he was reappointed for a second 
term by Governor Joel Parker. He was again reappointed, in 1880, by Gov- 
ernor George B. McClellan. and, for the fourth and fifth terms, was appointed 
in 1887, by Governor Green, and, in 1894, by Governor Werts. 

No comment is necessary upon these successive appointments, for each one 



i6B BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

speaks for itself. The recognition of fitness for one of the highest positions in 
the gift of the executive, by five governors, covering a period of over tliirty 
years, is a testimonial such as falls to the lot of few men. It is recorded of 
Judge Depue that "he took to the bench the very highest qualifications for the 
most responsible office in the system of the State government, and his record 
as judge has been in harmony with his record as a man and a lawyer.'" In 
1874, together with Chief Justice Beasley and Hon. Cortlandt Parker, Judge 
Depue was appointed to revise the laws of New Jersey; a work which was com- 
pleted to the great satisfaction of the bench and bar throughout the State. 

The degree of LL. D. was conferred upon Judge Depue in 1874, by Rutgers 
College, New Jersey, and in 1880, the same degree was given to him by the 
College of New Jersey, at Princeton. 

In right accord with the dignity and eminence of his position, the subject 
of our sketch is known as a man of broad culture and understanding, and as one 
whose outlook upon men and afifairs is without personal bias, without prejudice 
or favor. 

Judge Depue married Alary \'an Allen, daughter of John Stuart, who was 
for many years cashier of the Belvidere Bank. Mrs. Depue died in 1859, leav- 
ing one child, Eliza Stuart. In 1862 Judge Depue married Delia Ann, daugh- 
ter of Oliver E. Slocum, of Tollard, Massachusetts. Their children are Sher- 
rerd, Mary Stuart and Francis A. 

The son, Sherrerd Depue, was born in Warren county. New Jersey, on the 
first of .August, 1864. His life has been spent in greater part in Newark, New 
Jersey. Having graduated in 1881 at the Newark .\cademy, he entered Prince- 
ton University, at which he was graduated in 1885. Mr. Depue, having de- 
tCwiiined to make the practice of law his life work, became a student in the Co- 
lumbia Law School of New York City, where he was graduated in 1887. The 
same year he was admitted to practice as counselor-at-law, and in September 
of i8qo he was appointed Assistant United States District Attorney, in which 
capacity he served for one year. In 18Q4 he was appointed City Attorney 
of Newark, and as such served two years. Mr. Depue is a man of exceptional 
abilitv, whose zeal for his profession, devotion to his clients, and known fidelity 
to all trusts will doubtless bespeak for him new honors in the future. 



COL. WILLIAM BARBOUR, 

The well-known Paterson manufacturer, was born in New York City, Septem- 
ber 9, 1857. For nearly his entire life, however, he has lived in Paterson, his 
parents having removed there in his early childhood. He attended the Pater- 
son public schools, and later the Newark .Academy, but at the age of eighteen, 
having decided to pursue a business career, left his books and obtained employ- 
ment in New York with Howard Sanger & Co., a prominent firm in the whole- 
sale notion trade. .After a year with this concern he made a journey abroad 
for the purposes of study and improvement. He spent considerable time in 
Gernianv and France, acquiring an excellent knowledge of the language of those 
countries. Upon his return home he engaged actively in business, as an em- 





a ^^/ 




<te%^. c?.^>(^^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 169 

ployee of the Barljour Flax Spinning Company, of Paterson. He has since 
devoted his energies iminterrujitedly, and very successfully, to manufacturing 
interests. For the past thirteen years he has been at the head of the large Pat- 
erson establishment of the Barbour Brothers Company. 

Air. Barbour is also largely interested and holds responsible official posi- 
tions, in a number of corporations, banking and similar institutions. He was 
one of the organizers of the Paterson Railroad Company, and is its vice-presi- 
dent. Fie is connected as a director with the First National Bank of Pater- 
son, the Paterson Savings Institution and the National Bank of the Republic 
of New York, is president of the Dundee Water and Power Company, the High- 
land Water Company, and the .\lgonquin Company, of Passaic, and is officially 
identified with the Citizens' Insurance Company of New York, the American 
Cotton Oil Company, the Erie Railway Company, the Bergen Short Cut Line 
and the Goodyear Shoe Machinery Company, a corporation whose machinery has 
revolutionized shoe manfacture throughout the world. Through his position 
as president of the Barbour Brothers Company, he is at the head also of the 
firm of William Barbour & Sons, Limited, of Lisborn Island, a house founded 
in 1784, which is the oldest linen thread establishment in existence. 

From boyhood Mr. Barbour has always been a strong believer in the prin- 
ciples of the Republican party, and, taking an active interest in promoting its 
success, he has become one of its most prominent and representative members 
in the State of New Jersey. He was one of the State delegates to the Minne- 
apolis convention which nominated President Harrison for a second term. On 
this occasion he formed the cordial acquaintance of the Honorable William 
McKinley, who also was in attendance at the convention as a delegate — an ac- 
quaintance which has since been strengthened to warm personal friendship. In 
1896, in the national convention at Saint Louis, which placed McKinley in 
nomination for the Presidential office, Mr. Barbour again represented New Jer- 
sev as a delegate. For the period of one year he held the honorable position of 
treasurer of the Republican National Committee, being succeeded in the office 
by Mr. Cornelius N. Bliss. He was a delegate to the State convention which 
nominated John W. Griggs for Governor of New Jersey, and was appointed 
ty Governor Griggs a member of his staff. This appointment he resigned upon 
the elevation of Governor Griggs to the Attorney-Generalship of the United 
States. 

He is a member of the Union League Club, the Republican Club of New 
York, and the Merchants', Club of New York. 

Mr. Barbour was married, in 1884, to Adelaide, daughter of John H. 
Sprague, of New York City. They have four children, Thomas, Robert, \\"\\- 
liam ^^^. and Fritz Krupp. The youngest is named for the famous German 
gunmaker, who is an intimate friend of Mr. Barbour's. 



WILLIAM RAYMOND WEEKS, 

Lawver, was Ijorn at Newark. New Jersey, August 4. 1848, son of John R.mdel 
and Marv Frances (Adriance) Weeks. His first ancestor in America, George 



I/O BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Weeks, came to ^Massachusetts from Devonshire, England, in 1637, with his 
wife Jane, sister of Roger Clap. He is descended from the landed gentry of 
England, the name being originally de W'yke or de la Wyke. The original coat 
of arms of the family was an ermine shield, with three battle axes sable, and the 
crest was an arm (in armor) embowed, holding a battle axe gules or red. Eben- 
ezer Weeks, great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a private sol- 
dier in the Revolutionary War. His grandfather, Rev. William Raymond 
Weeks, D. D.. was pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Plattsburgh, Xew York, 
(1811-14), and chaplain to American troops in the war of 1812. His father, 
John Randel Weeks, was for many years a director of real estate, counsel for the 
^Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, of Newark, served seven years as a 
volunteer fireman, and was prominent as a Free Mason, and had an antipathy 
to litigation, believing most of it useless. He is descended on his mother's 
side, from Adriaen Reyerse, founder of the Adriance family in America, son of 
Reyer Elbertse, of L'trecht, Holland, who came from Amsterdam in 1646. and 
from Sarah Jorise Rapalje, the first white girl born in the Xew Netherlands. 
Five of the ancestors of ^Ir. Weeks were soldiers and patriots in the Revolu- 
tionary War, one being an officer of artillery. William Raymond Weeks at- 
attended the public grammar and high schools, and was graduated at the Newr 
ark Academy in 1865, of which he is now a trustee. During the Civil War he 
was in the Xew Jersey militia, and a member of the Union League. He studied 
law with his father, was admitted to practice law in Xew Jersey, Xovember,, 
1870, as an attorney, and February, 1876, as a counsellor, and in Xew York, in. 
March,. 1B95, and in West \'irginia in November, 1897, and he is admitted to 
practice in the United States courts. He was one of the counsel for Joseph A. 
Blair, who was acquitted in 1879. of the charge of murdering his coachman, 
John Armstrong. In 1883 he organized a volunteer fire department at Bloom- 
field, Xew Jersey, where he then lived, served the following year as a member 
of the Legislative Committee of the Xew Jersey State Firemen's Association, 
became its first State counsel in 1884, and held the office four years, drafting and 
remodeling the State fire laws. He compiled and published a compendium 
of these laws with a series of forms. In 1889 he successfully defended the stone 
cutters in an equity suit to compel them to admit "harvesters" to their union. 
He has given special attention to the study of corporation law, in general, and 
the specific statutes of the states, and has organized many business, manufac- 
turning and mining corporations. The late Edwin Lister, president of Lister's 
Agricultural Chemical Works, at Xewark. Xew Jersey, whose controlling in- 
terest in the works is valued at nearly $1,000,000, appointed Mr. Weeks his sole 
executor and life trustee of his interest in that corporation, of which he has since 
become president. He has charge of many other large estates. He devotes 
much of his leisure hours to the study and writing of history. He has been a 
member of the American Bar Association since T879, and is a member of the 
Association of the Bar of the City of Xew York, Lawyers' Club, Twilight Club, 
Dunlap Society, Society of American Authors, American X'umismatic and Arch- 
aeological Society of Xew York, .American Historical Association, Xew Jersey 
Historical Society, Sons of American Revolution, Society of the \\'ar of 1812, 
Order of the Founders and Patriots of America, of which he is Attorney-Gen- 
eral, and Revolutionarv Memorial Societv of X'^ew jersev. He is historian of 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 171 

of the Newark Academy Aluinni, and is the autlior of a "History of the New- 
ark. (X. J.), Academy." He pubhshed a "History of the Ameri^can Numismatic 
and Archaeological Society of .\ew York," of which society he was, for several 
years, the historiographer. He is preparing a "Bibliography of New Jersey;" 
a "History of the Colonial Schools and Schoolmasters of New Jersey," a mon- 
ograph on "The Jerseys in America, their Nomenclature and Cartography prior 
to 1700," and a History of the I-'irst Endowment of the College of New Jersey, 
now^ known as Princeton University. He read a paper before the New Jersey 
Society of the Order of the Founders and Patriots of .America, on "New 
Jersey's Influence upon her Surroundings," and has prepared a paper on "The 
Manhattans," to controvert the idea of New York island being the original 
and only Manhattan. ;\Ir. Weeks was married at Newark. New Jersey, .\ugust 
4, 1869, to Irene, daughter of .\ndrew and Margaret \\'illiams (Whitlocki Le 
iMassena, a great-granddaughter of .Andre Massena, prince of Essling, one of 
Napoleon's marshals, bv whom he has two daughters. 



HON. THOMAS B. PEDDIE 

Was a Scotchman by birth and Edinlnirgh was his native place. Here, too, 
were his parents born, people in moderate circumstances, intelligent, industrious 
and intensely religious. Under their influence and early instructions, habits of 
industry and self-reliance were easily formed: and moreover in him was cultivated 
a profound reverence for evervthing that is essential to an honorable and pious 
life. 

His early mental acquisitions w-ere only such as could be obtained in schools 
of no very high grade, but they were quite sufficient for the ordinary demands 
of a business life, and they were gradually augmented by reading and contact 
with his fellows as he increased in years Great was his fondness for reading 
books of travel and for the accounts of foreign lands given in the newspapers 
of the day. To the knowledge of America, thus acquired, he attributed his de- 
sire to cross the ocean and ultimately to make his permanent home in the United 
States. The means by which to accomplish this long journey, and to return, 
if ach'isable, were saved from his youthful earnings. It was in 1833 that he 
found that great inducements were offered to manufacturers, and to all interested 
in mechanical pursuits. Satisfied that this was the place in which he could ad- 
vantageously settle, he offered his services, with no other commendation than 
his vigorous arms and his honest manly ways. With no difficulty he obtained a 
position in the great saddlery establishment of Smith & Wright, the latter be- 
coming subsequently a Senator of the United States. Here he remained two 
years, when, believing himself sufficiently acquainted with the business methods 
of the land of his adoption, he determined to build up an establishment of his 
own. It was in a small way that he began the manufacture of trunks and car- 
pet bags, but success so far exceeded his expectations that he was obliged to in- 
crease his manufacturing facilities and to take a business partner to aid him in 
his labors. This was in 1846, and the gentleman with whom he became asso- 
ciated was Mr. John Morrison, who. in this connection, became known as one 



172 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

of Newark's most estimable business men. The partnership continued until 
1861, when Mr. .Morrison died. To Mr. Peddie this was a severe loss, and he 
was at once constrained to give undivided attention to his immense establish- 
ment. Fortunately, among his principal assistants was Mr. George B. Jen- 
kinson, whose familiarity with every department of the complicated works re- 
lieved Mr. Peddie gradually of much of his labor, and finally resulted in a part- 
nership between them under the firm name of T. B. Peddie & Co. Under this 
name the business was conducted until the death of its founder. 

Although Mr. Peddie"s time and attention were largely devoted to his con- 
stantly growing establishment, he failed in nothing that was due from him as 
a good and patriotic citizen. 

Inthemoneyedinstitutions of the city his business interests led him, of course, 
to take an active and prominent part, and in many of them he was an influential 
director. But, also, where personal interests did not influence him, he was 
equally earnest and active. He was among the leaders of also every important 
movement, aiding with his advice as well as by means of his purse. Of the 
Board of Trade of the City of Newark he was a useful and efficient member, at 
one time its president, and at all times a warm participant in its proceedings. 

Mr. Peddie took a deep interest not only in local affairs but in everything 
affecting the welfare of the State and nation. He was a staimch Republican, 
and an enthusiastic advocate of the principles and measures of that political 
party. He was in no wise an office-seeker, but because of his sterling honesty 
and popularity he was called upon to occupy various public positions of honor 
and responsibility. During the War of the Rebellion in 1863 and 1864 he was 
a member of the State General Assembly, and in that capacity gave valuable 
support to the general government. In 1866 he became ^layor of the city, and 
for four years served in that office with great credit to himself and advantage to 
the city. In 1876 he represented the Sixth Congressional District of New Jer- 
sey in the Forty-fifth Congress, but on the expiration of his term of office de- 
clined a further nomination. 

Mr. Peddie was a great lover of youth, and he had implicit confidence in the 
possibilities of the boy. He believed that had the boy a clear head and a true 
heart success was surely his. For that reason Mr. Peddie devoted a great deal 
of time to the study and care of the boys and girls who were not being prop- 
erly brought up in the city, and it was his mind that conceived the idea of the 
Newark City Home, believing that in such an institution the waifs of the com- 
munity would receive that moral training and physical instruction which would 
fit them for the battle of life. The institution, which was one of the pets of his 
life, has proven one of the most successful, if not the most successful, of its kind 
in the country, and to Air. Peddie is due more than to any other person, its great 
success. 

He was one of the originators of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to 
Children, believing that it was a bounden duty to see that no child was abused, 
even by parents or guardians. He thought that the young should be taught 
to save, and in order to afiford them the best facility possible for the keeping of 
their savings, he was one of the originators and the first president of the Secu- 
ritv Savings Bank, which has become a successful financial institution. 

In nothing concerning the public welfare did Air. Peddie take more interest 




TONZO SAUVAGE 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 173 

than in the subject of education. It was for his services in this direction that his 
name was given to the Peddie Institute, a flourishing academy in Hightstown, 
New Jersey. He was one of the early founders of the Newark Technical 
School, an institution for which that city is mainly indebted to its Board of 
Trade, by which body the first steps were taken for its establishment, with Mr. 
Peddie as chairman of the committee having charge of the enterprise. Of all 
benevolent enterprises he was a liberal supporter, ever ready to advance them by 
contributing of his means as well as by his personal services 

The last work of Mr. Peddie's life, and what is now his monument, is the 
magnificent house of worship erected through his munificence on the principal 
thoroughfare of the City of Newark. It is built of gray granite, in the Byzan- 
tine style of architecture and capable of seating three thousand worshipers. It 
is called the "Peddie Memorial," and was Mr. Peddie's gift to the congregation 
with which he connected himself, when, as a youth, he came to Newark, and 
in which he continued to worshi]j throughout his long and useful life. Mr. 
Peddie died February 16th, 1889. 



TONOZO LLWYFO SAUVAQE, 

Son of James and Mary Eleanor Sauvage and grandson of Llew Llwyfo, one 
of the most noted poets of Wales, was born in Rhvl, North Wales, March 26, 
1874. His classical education was secured in the famous St. Paul's School, 
London, Eng, which was founded by Dean Colet in 1509. While attending this 
school he was elected by open competition to a Foundation Scholarship, which 
honor was awarded to him upon a competitive examination in Latin, Greek, 
French and Mathematics. 

Mr. Sauvage's musical talent was manifested early in life. This talent 
he inherited, no doubt, from his gifted father and grandfather, yet it is un- 
doubtedly his love for music and close application to the development of the 
genius with which he was endowed, that has secured for him a reputation 
which surpasses in many instances the records of older men in his chosen profes- 
sion. His remarkable ability won for him the senior prize for piano forte play- 
ing at the National Eisteddfod, in Wrexham, Wales, in 1888. In 1890 Mr. 
Sauvage came from London to the L'nited States, and in 1893 received the 
degree of Associate of American College of Alusicians. An interesting incident 
in Mr. Sauvage's musical career was that wdiich occurred in Chicago during 
the World's Fair, when, upon the examination for the degree of Associate of 
American College of Musicians he gave a piano forte recital before an audi- 
ence of representative musicians. So great was their delight and so genuine 
their appreciation of his aljility that with spontaneous enthusiasm they tendered 
him the degree of Fellowship. This honor justly stands to his credit, although 
his musical brothers had to decide that it would be technically incorrect to grant 
a higher degree than that for which he was a contestant. 

In 1894 Mr. Sauvage accepted the jjosition of organist of the Peddie Me- 
morial Church, Newark, New Jersey, which charge he still holds. 

On the 20th of April, 1898, Mr. Sauvage was united in marriage to Miss 



174 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Elsie D. Peddie, daughter of the late Hon. Thomas B. Peddie. mention of whom 
proceeds this article. Mr. and Mrs. Sauvage occupy a prominent position in 
society, both in the gracious hospitalities of their beautiful home and their inter- 
est in good works. 



RT. REV. WINAND M. WIGGER, D. D., 

The beloved Bishop of Newark, was born December 9. 1841, and his prepara- 
tory studies were pursued at St. Francis Xavier's College. Xew York. He 
studied theology in the College Brignole-Sale, Genoa, Italy, and was ordained 
a priest in 1865. On the 17th of August of the same year he left Genoa for 
America, and while crossing the ocean on his way home cholera broke out 
among the passengers on the steamship .\tlanta, on which he had embarked, and 
there it was that the young priest first publicly exercised the functions of the 
sacred ministry with which he had so recently been invested. His attentions 
to the sick and dying were unceasing, and on his arrival at Xew York he vol- 
unteered, with remarkable heroism, to remain in the pest ship until every ves- 
tige of the dreaded disease had disappeared. For two weks he faithfully kept 
his post, consoling the dying and closing the eyes of the dead until the self-im- 
posed task was fully performed. 

On arriving at Xew-ark Bishop Bayley attached him to the Cathedral, where 
for four years he gave edification as a pious, zealous and faithful priest. His 
zeal never flagged, and his devotion to the sick and afflicted never wearied, for 
the lesson he learned in the plague ship was never afterward forgotten. In 
1869 Father Wigger was appointed to the church in Madison, whose pastorate 
had been left vacant by the death of the talented and popular Father D'.\rcy. 
At the time when St. John's Church in Orange was in its worst phase of financial 
embarrassment. Bishop Corrigan looked about him for a priest who, by pru- 
dence, piety, zeal and administrative ability, might be in every way fitted to in- 
spire confidence in the people and retrieve the fortunes of the overburdened 
church. Dr. \\'igger was his choice, and without hesitation the present Bishop 
of Xew-ark obeyed the voice of his stiperior and gave up his comparatively easy 
mission for the discouraging and almost despaired-of charge of St. John's. In 
less than si.x months he paid oiT eleven thousand dollars of the debt, but, be- 
lieving the task to be a hopeless one. he asked to be relieved, and was made 
pastor of Summit, in February, 1874. 

In June, 1876, Dr. Wigger was again transferred to ]\Iadison, where he re- 
mained in the quiet discharge of his duties, respected and loved by all, until called 
to the holv office which he now fills. He was consecrated by his predeces- 
sor, Archbishop Corrigan, assisted by Bishop Loughlin and Bishop McQuaid, 
in the Cathedral of Xewark, October 18, 1881. For a short time thereafter he 
remained in his beloved old Madison, but he soon became convinced of the 
necessitv of making his abode where his priests could have more easy access to 
him, and in consequence moved to Xewark. In .A.pril. 1883, he took up his res- 
idence at Seton Hall, in order to be better able to give his immediate super- 
vision to the college and ecclesiastical seminarv. 




ISAAC ROMAINE 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 175 

Since his elevation to the episcopacy Dr. W'igger has l)een an indefatigable 
worker. Pastoral visitations, atlniinistering contirniation. assisting in the 
neighboring dioceses and dispensing charity. — these are the daily occupations 
of the Bishop of Newark; and it is chiefly in this last, his great sympathy for 
the suffering portion of humanity, that the key to the true character of the 
man can be found. While he is frugal in the extreme in whatever concerns him- 
self, he is lavish beyond measure wherever charity stretches out her ap])caling 
hand. The orphanages and hospitals of the diocese have in him a kind father 
and a generous patron, and every work of charity organized for the good of the 
poor, the neglected and afflicted has his unc|ualified approval and support. (Jne 
of his latest works is the establishment of an industrial school for boys at Arling- 
ton. Here neglected and wayward boys are received, educated and taught 
trades, so that in after life they may be able to earn for themselves an honest 
livelihood. The chief pastor of the Diocese of Newark is indeed a father to his 
people. 



ISAAC ROMAINE 



Was born in the city of I'.ergen (now part of Jersey City). Alay 4, 1840. He 
is a lineal descendant of (1) Klass Jansen Romeyn, who came from Holland in 
1653, and eventually settled in Hackensack, New Jersey, where his son, (2) Al- 
bert was born in 1686, and where the latter's son (3) Nicholaas was born in 
December, 171 1. The next in descent, (4), Albert Romein, son of Nicholaas, 
was born in Schraalenburgh, New Jersey, February 11, 1752, and had a son 
(5) Roelef A., who was born Jul\ 24th. 1774. John R. Romine, (6) son of 
Roelef .\. Romein. was born in Bergen county. New Jersey, Alay 8th, 1806, and 
married .Ann, daughter of John Zal)riskie, of Old Bergen (now Hudson) county. 
They were the parents of the subject of this sketch. Isaac prepared for col- 
lege at the Columbia district school, which numbered among its teachers Hon. 
Charles H. \'oorhis and Hon. L. A. lirigham. afterward members of Congress. 
He graduated from Rutgers College, New Brunswick, in the class of 1859, a 
class noted for the many able and prominent men who were members of it. 
Mr. Romaine began the study of law in the ofSce of Hon. A. O. Zabriskie, af- 
terward Chancellor of New Jersey, and was admitted to the bar of New Jersey 
at the November term, 1862, and as a counselor at the November term, 1865. 
From 1865 to 1867 he was Corporation Counsel of the city of Bergen, now a 
part of Jersey City. He was elected Alderman of that city in i86g, and was 
president of the Board in 1869 and 1870, at which time the city of Bergen was 
consolidated with Jersey City. He was a member of the Jersey City Board of 
Education from 1880 to 1885. and in 1883 was appointed a member of the Board 
of Finance and Taxation of Jersey City, but owing to legal complications was 
not seated until a few days before the expiration of the term for which he was 
appointed. He was elected to the Legislature of 1885, representing the Fifth 
Assembly District of Jersey City, where he served as a member of the Commit- 
tees on Claims and Revolutionary Pensions and Stationery, and on Joint Com- 
mittees on Passed Bills. He is a master and examiner and Special Master in 



176 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Chancery of Xew Jersey, a Supreme Court Commissioner of the State of New 
Jersey, and was Commissioner of the Circuit Court of tlie United States for the 
district of New Jersey, until July ist, 180", when the office expired bv legal 
limitation, when he was appointed a Commissioner of the District Court of the 
United States for the district of New Jersey. He has his office in the Weldon 
Building, where he carries on an extensive legal practice. Air. Romaine is a 
member of the Jersey City, Carteret and Union League Clubs, of the Holland 
Society of New York, and was vice-president of that society from Hudson 
county for the years 1897-98, and is also a member of a number of other social, 
civil and political organizations. And has been president since 1886 of the Star 
Mutual Building and Loan Association of Jersey City. 



HON. JOHN T. DUNN 



Was born in the Parish of Templemore, count}- Tipperary, Ireland, June 4th, 
1838, and six years later landed in America. Excellent authority states that 
"the name of Dunn can be traced to that of Tlior, the God of Thunder," as 
its remote and legendary origin, but his personal history is certainly not unlike 
the romances of old. Alotherless, bound in early youth to a farmer, denied even 
the little schooling promised by his indenture, neglected, ill used, over worked, 
what wonder that a boy of his spirit should run away, trusting to begin for him- 
self a new and independent life? So our young John did, at eleven, and shortly 
after shipped as cabin boy on a West Indian trader. Two years later he found 
employment as a bobbin boy in a factory in Gloucester City, New Jersey, from 
whence he went to Frankford, Pennsylvania, to serve his time as a painter. Dur- 
ing his first two months in the paint shop he learned his letters, and at once the 
idea of a broader life entered his youthful mind, and with energy he applied every 
spare moment to books and stud\'. Surprising as it sounds, this man was his 
own educator, and so successful was he that in 1882 he was admitted to one of 
the learned professions, as a member of the bar of New Jersey. When, in 1861, 
President Lincoln called for seventy-five thousand troops, Mr. Dunn raised a 
company at his own expense, but before his commission was granted the call 
was filled and Dunn's men (almost in a body) joined the Second New York 
Heavy Artillery. While living in Paterson, New Jersey, Mr. Dunn served 
as School Commissioner for two years. In 1870 he moved to Elizabeth where, 
for four years, he was in the Common Council, Four times consecutively he 
was elected to the Legislature, and for one term was Speaker of that body. He 
was sent to the Fiftv-third Congress from the Elizabeth, New Jersey, district, 
in i8q2, where he served on the Committees of Labor and Expenditures of Public 
Buildings, and as chairman of the Sub-committee of the latter. From 1887 to 
1891, Mr. Dunn operated a foundry and machine shop, and, at the same time, at- 
etnded to his practice at the bar. For three years he was interested, during 
the winters, in locating and reclaiming lands in Texas and Missouri, for, in ad- 
dition to his other avocations, Mr. Dunn has successfully carried on the land 
business since 1882. 




JOHN T. DUNN 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 177 

JOHN A. WHITAKER. 

To indulge in the prolix encomium of a life which was eminently one of sub- 
jective modesty would be palpably incongruous, even though the record of good 
accomplished, of kindly deeds performed, and of high relative precedence at- 
tained, might seem to justify the utterance of glowing eulogy. He. to whom 
this memoir is dedicated, was a man who "stood four-square to every wind that 
blows," who was possessed of marked ability, and who was vitally instinct with 
the deeper human sympathies; and yet who, during his long and useful life 
avoided everything that partook of the nature of display or notoriety, — and in 
this spirit would the biographer wish to have his utterances construed. 

John Adams Whitaker was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, Juh- 1. 1818. 
The progenitors of the Whitaker family in America were three brothers, who 
came from England and settled on the Hudson River, near where the city of 
Xewburg now stands. Each one of the brothers married and reared families. 
Through long years the Whitakers have figured prominently in the affairs of 
New Jersey. According to old records Richard Whitaker purchased a lot in 
Salem, New Jersey, April 25, 1676. Again the records state that at a session 
of the New Jersey provincial council, held I3ecember 7, 1748, the speaker laid 
before the house the deposition of Jonathan Whitaker, who it thereby appeared 
was a justice of the peace in the county of Somerset, and lived on lands belong- 
ing to the heirs of William I'enn. In the previous year, October 30, a petition 
was laid before the council which had been sworn to before John Whitaker, but 
whether the first name was an abbreviation of Jonathan, or whether they were 
different persons it is not known. Peter Whitaker is nientior.ed in the Mini- 
sink records. 1792-3. and Richard Whitaker. in 1813. lived in L'nionville. The 
last named was the grandfather of our subject, and was a successful agriculturist. 
He married Elizabeth Forgerson, and they became the parents of eleven chil- 
dren; Sanuiel. father of our subject; Jacob, Aaron, Richard, John, Halsey, 
Lewis, .Mary, who became the wife of Dr. Austin, of Unionville; Mill}', wife of 
Renjamin Ha_\nes. of l'nionville; Charlotte, second wife of Benjamin ffaynes, 
and l-'anny, who became the second wife of Dr. Austin. Descendants of Jacob 
reside in Oswego, New York; a son of Richard, in West Town, Xew York, and 
daughters of John in (joshen and Middletown, New York; while Lewis lived and 
died in Wantage, Sussex county, where his descendants are still located. 

Sanniel Whitaker. the father of John .\. Whitaker. was Ijorn in l'nionville. 
New ^'ork. June 22. 1796. and received such educational advantages as the 
schools of his day afforded. The early members of the Whitaker family de- 
voted their energies to farming, lint Sanuiel Whitaker. when a young man, 
turned his attention to mercantile business. In 1835 '^<^ came to Deckertown, 
where he was recognized as a leading merchant for a considerable period, carry- 
ing on operations along that line until within a few \ears of his death, which 
occurred October 20, 1871. .\lthough a man of plain habits and retiring dis- 
position, he was possessed of remarkalile energy and force of character, and took 
an active part in promoting all interests for the welfare of the connuunitx'. He 
was one of the founders of the Farmers' National Rank, served as a director 
thereof for manv \ears, and no man was more active in promoting the project 

12 



178 BIUGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

which brought the Midland Railroad toDeckertowh. He subscribed liberally to 
that work and devoted time and energy toward the accomplishment. He served 
as collector of Sussex county for seven years, and had the unqualified confidence 
and respect of all who knew him. He gave his political support to the democ- 
racy, and in religious belief was a Presbyterian, holding membership in the 
church of that denomination in Deckertown. He married Margaret, a daughter 
of John E. and Jane Adams, of Deckertown, and by this union were born three 
children: John A., Richard, who was born March 24, 1820, and died August 
31, 1845; ^"<^1 Zillah AL, who was born June 16, 1822. She became the wife of 
Jacob E. Hornbeck. 

John A. Whitaker was reared in the Empire State, and in 1833 was sent to 
Deckertown to the school just established by William Rankin, — the only pupil 
that Mr. Rankin had upon the opening day of school. This educational in- 
stitution, however, attained a wide reputation in later years. Upon the conclu- 
sion of his studies he secured a situation as clerk in a store in Newburg, New 
York, where he remained for some time. He next went to Bufifalo, but not find- 
ing a business opening there that suited him, he came to Deckertown, and as- 
sisted his father in the latter's mercantile establishment. Subsequently he en- 
gaged in business on his own account in New York City, but not meeting the 
success which he had anticipated, he returned to Deckertown and again associ- 
ated in business with his father, who was also serving as postmaster. In 1850 
he succeeded his father as postmaster of Deckertown, by appointment of Zacn- 
ary Taylor, and later engaged in business in this place on his own account. On 
the first of January, 1857, he was appointed to the position of cashier of the 
Farmers" National Bank, of which his father was one of the directors. He tilled 
that position with marked fidelity until the death of the president, Jonathan 
Whitaker, when, on the 13th of January, 1874, he was chosen to the presidency, 
a position which he filled with marked capability until his death, his connection 
with the bank covering more than forty-one years. His business career was 
one of marked success, owing to his energy, resolute purpose, fidelity to duty and 
keen discrimination. He possessed marked executive force and keen sagacity, 
which qualities made him one of the prosperous citizens of Sussex county. 

In 1846 Mr. Whitaker was united in marriage to Miss Mary A., daughter 
of John and Amanda (Savre) Holbert, of Chemung, Chemung county, New 
York. Four daughters were born to them: Isbell, wife of Theodore F. Mar- 
garum, of Deckertown; Amanda H.. wife of Captain Theodore F. Northrup, 
of New York City: Marie Alice, wife of Charles Tyler, of New York City, and 
Josephine, wife of John Bennett, who is engaged in the banking business in 
Horseheads, New York. The father of this family was a faithful member of 
the Presbyterian Church. He died May 22, 1898, and probably no better esti- 
mate of his character can be given than is shadowed forth in the following letter 
received In- Mrs. ^^'hitaker. It read: 

"Dear Mrs. Whitaker — Providence was indeed merciful and gracious in 
sparing him so long to his loved ones and to the community. We sometimes 
mourn that the influence of a promising career is cut short by death: not so with 
him. In the fullness of his life and at the completion of his work he was sum- 
moned to his reward His conmumity was fortunate in his life and presence; 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 179 

no other occupied such a position of responsibihty ; no other in any community 
every discharged responsibihty with greater credit and honor. He would have 
been a picked man anywhere. When trusted men have proven unfaithful there 
have always been whisperings which ought to have put the community on guard; 
but who ever heard a whisper against him? 

"In times of doubt and distrust even a good man may suffer, but no mat- 
ter how perilous the times or what the cause for anxiety, no one doubted that 
he and all the trusts confided to him were safe. What an object lesson to the 
community and to all who knew him! His gentle outgoing and incoming are 
gone forever, but you cannot think of him without a sense of the essential cpiali- 
ties of honesty, industry and sobriety which thoroughly imbued him. Such 
as he cannot have lived in that little community for four-score years without 
having left his impress upon it. and his impress can be nothing but a benediction. 
It is hard to realize that I can remember him when he was only forty years old; 
but in my childhood he was my ideal man, and as the many years have gone by 
and other associations have undoubtedly had their influence upon me, he has 
always stood out as a conspicuous man, — such a one as a devoted father would 
safely and proud!\- point to as an example for his son.'' 

John A. Whitaker reached the eightieth milestone on his life's journey. 
His career was one of activity, of honesty, of uprightness. Through his efforts 
the material, social, educational and moral interests of Deckertown were pro- 
moted and the community owes to him a debt of gratitude. At length the end 
came and the burdens of life were exchanged for the victor's crown. 

"Night fell, and a hand as from the darkness touched him, and he slept." 

The following resolutions were passed by the board of directors of the Farm- 
ers' National Bank of Deckertown, June 6, 1898: 

Whereas, Almightv God has removed from us our venerable and esteemed friend, 

]\Ir. John A. Whitaker, who was at the time of his death president of the 

Farmers' National Bank of Deckertown; therefore, be it 

Resolved, That in the death of Mr. John A. Whitaker the bank has lost a 

worthy an dable president, one who presided successfully over the great trust 

many years, and gave the whole of his study, time and attention to building up 

and making the bank strong and safe; 

That in his official capacity he showed a character that only true financiers 
possess, being courageous, not afraid to speak for what he thought was right, 
and for the best interests of the corporation he represented, even in the face of 
the strongest opjjosition; 

That his honesty never was questioned, and his sterling qualities and excel- 
lent habits, together with his firmness, balanced with good sense and wisdom, 
made him a valuable officer and great strength to a banking institution; 

That during his term of office and under his management the bank flour- 
ished; surplus accumulated, deposits and discounts increased until the capital 
stock sold for more than doul)le its par value; 



i8o BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

That lie was not selfish, close or narrow, but was manly, generous, magnan- 
imous and noble, and had a broad and elevated mind and deep intellect; 

That he was one of the best of citizens, patriotic, having the interests and 
welfare of his country at heart, and always on the side of progress and advance- 
ment for good : 

That he was a kind, obliging and acconmiodating neighbor and a friend to 
the poor, ever ready to help in the time of need, and sympathize in the time of 
trouble and afifiiction ; 

That in his death our loss is his gain: that we believe he died a Christian 
and is being rewarded by his God in the home above the skies: and, be it further 

Resolved, That the directors of the bank extend their sympathies to the 
family of the said deceased, and that these resolutions be recorded in the minutes 
of the bank, and that a copy thereof be sent to his family. 

CHARLES A. WILSON, 

A. WATSON SLOCK BOWER, 

Committee on Resolutions. 



HENRY J. YATES, 



The si.xteenth Mayor of the City of Newark. New Jersey, since it received its 
charter in 1836, has been justly characterized as a business man of the best 
school, methodical in all his ways, conservative in his views, rigidly upright in 
all his dealings, and the master of every detail of his business, and re])resenting 
"the finest type of American citizenship." 

This noteworthy man was the son of Thomas Yates, a manufacturer, who, 
in the early part of the nineteenth century, came from Sheffield, England, to New 
York City, where he settled and married Hephzibah Thacker, an English lady 
of more than ordinary culture. h'rom this marriage sprang Henry J. Yates, 
who was born in New "^'ork, December 7, i8iy. .\t an early age he was placed 
at school, and until his fifteenth year continued to pursue his studies under both 
public and private instruction in his native city. That he made good use of his 
opportunities for an education is well attested by his success in positions which 
required considerable mental culture as well as business experience. 

In 1834. at the age of fifteen, he came to Newark, New Jersey, where he 
entered the great hat manufacturing establishment of William Rankin & Co., 
and there remained throughout his minority. \\'ith that enterprising spirit 
which characterized his whole life, he went into business for himself in his twen- 
ty-fourth year, forming a copartnershiji in the manufacture of hats with Mr. 
Philetus W. \'ail, under the firm name of \'ail & Yates. This enterprise proved 
to be very successful, and the firm continued its existence until 1857, when it was 
dissolved. Not long afterward .Mr. Yates associated himself with Mr. John 
Wharton, and later with Mr. William D. Yocum, and the same line of manufac- 
ture was connected, under the name of Yates, Wharton & Co., suffering no other 
change until the admission to partnership of Mr. Charles A. Wharton and Rob- 
ert Clark, Jr. C)n the retirement of Mr. Yocum, the firm name remained the same. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. i8i 

At the time of Mr. Yates' death the establishment was one of the most prosperous 
and extensive of its kind in the land. 

Although one of the most modest and unobtrusive of men, Mr. Yates, by 
reason of his unquestioned integrity, his thorough knowledge of business, and 
his excellent judgment in all matters involving the social welfare, could not fail 
to be constantly called upon when an individual combining in himself so many 
rare qualifications was in demand. It is not, therefore, strange that financial 
institutions and business corporations, as well as political organizations, should 
have coveted his advice and the influence of his narne. Of the board of direc- 
tors of the Newark City National Bank he was a member from January. 1875. 
to the day of his death. The Firemen's Insurance Company, of Newark, also 
numbered him for many years among its directors. He was one of the organ- 
izers and active managers of the Prudential Insurance Company of Newark. In 
October, 1875. he was elected one of the Board of Directors of that Company; 
in February, 1878, he was elected a member of the Finance Committee and 
treasurer. In all three capacities he continued to serve until his death. In 
recognition of his ability, valuable services and fidelity three medals were awarded 
and and presented to him by that Company, for five, ten and fifteen years services 
respectively. Had he survived but two or three months a medal for twenty 
vears services would have been presented to him by that Company in recognition 
of his devotion to the duties of the offices which he had so well discharged. The 
high appreciation in which he was held by these institutions is expressed in the 
resolutions and memorial records called forth by his death. To the sum of 
his many excellent qualities, says one of these records, "he added a gentlemanly 
bearing and a kindh' consideration in his personal intercourse that conunanded 
the respect and w'on the affection of his colleagues," and. continued this record, 
he was "one who, by his public spirit and warm interest in all that concerned 
the public welfare, has inspired universal confidence, and been the recipient of 
unsought but well-deserved municipal honors." Says another of these rec- 
ords: He was "a friend afid associate who during his career worthily occupied 
many positions of financial and civic trust, and by his high character, unblem- 
ished integrity, and dignified presence commanded the esteem of his fellows." 
Again we read of him: He was "one who performed every duty or trust con- 
fided to him with fidelity and with honor to himself, at all times true to himself, 
and always respectful and courteous in his intercourse with his fellow men." 

While Mr. Yates was far from being a noisy politician or a "hidebound par- 
tisan," he was, nevertheless, an earnest member of the Republican party from 
its verv organization. A resolution adopted a few days after his death at a 
meeting of the Republican County Committee of Essex county begins thus: "In 
the death of the Honorable Henry J. ^'ates the Republican party and the Re- 
publican County Committee have lost a staunch and consistent friend." He 
was in no wise an office-seeker, and the few ])ublic positions which he held were 
thrust upon him, notwithstanding his strong oijjections to holding them. Thus, 
in 1874 and 1875. he represented the Fourth Ward of the City of Newark in its 
Common Council, and during a period of four years, beginning in 1876. he was 
Mayor of that city. In the latter capacity he showed great sagacity and ability 
on several occasions, esijecially during the labor riots in July. 1877. That he 
was largelv instrumental in sparing Newark bloodshed and destruction of jirop- 



iS2 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

erty. which were at that time visited upon so many other cities, is fully attested 
to by the newspapers of that day, which speak in loftiest praise of the firmness, 
the bravery, and the excellent judgment that marked all his actions. 

In 184-2 Mr. Yates was married to Miss Sarah A. Condit. daughter of Moses 
W. Condit. of Bloomfield, New Jersey, who still survives him. Since that event 
Newark continued to be his residence, and it may be added that, to him, his home 
was always the most delightful spot on earth. In the quiet of his own fireside 
he always sought relief from the cares of business and the burdens of public 
office. Rarely and only as a matter of duty did he ever exchange these pleas- 
ures for those so continually offered to men in high positions. In this much 
loved home, surrounded bv those dearest to his heart, he died November 24, 
1893- 



ROBERT F. ORAM 



Was bom in the Parish Breage, county Cornwall, England, October 28, 1824. 
He \\as the youngest son of Thomas Oram and Lovidie Ford, both natives of 
Cornwall, and was grandson of Thomas Oram, a native of Bulwer Hampton, 
England. His mother, Lovidie. was a daughter of Francis Ford, born in Corn- 
wall, England. 

His father was an assayer of tin. following the profession imtil his death. 
It was in assisting his father by running an engine that his intimate knowledge 
of mining commenced, he being closely identified with the lead and zinc indus- 
tries of the \-icinity. The first sixteen years of his life, Mr. Oram lived in the 
country of his birth, and until thirteen years of age attended private school. 
L'pon the death of his father and mother, which occurred respectively in 1842 and 
1844, he determined to seek his furtune in a new land. In 1845, taking passage 
on the sailing vessel "Roger Sherman,'" after a voyage of fort\--six days he landed 
at the port of New York. L"pon his arrival at Xew York he at once set out 
for Pottsville, Pennsylvania, in the Schuylkill mining regions, where, in con- 
nection with his brother. Thomas, he was soon engaged in the mining and shij)- 
ping of coal to Philadelphia. 

The industry was then in its infancy, and the first coal breaker ever erected 
in this coimtry was put up at Minesville. a point near by. In 1848 Mr. Oram 
and his brother Thomas were engaged to go to Dover. Morris county. Xew Jer- 
sey, and take charge of the "Swedes Mine." This propertv- was owned by John 
Stanton, William Green, Jr., and Lyman Dunnison, and with these gentlemen 
and the succeeding owners of the property, Mr. Oram was singularly fortunate 
and happy in his connections, receiA-ing from them marked appreciation of his 
mining ability, and their heartiest co-operation. 

The "Swedes !Mine," originally owned by Col. Jackson, of Rockaway, was 
sold to these gentlemen in 1847. In the early part of 1848 the "Mt. Pleasant 
Mine" was purchased by them and placed in charge of Mr. Oram. In 1S49 
the partners purchased the Burrell Farm, on which was located the "Orchard 
Mine," and since, the works of the Port Oram Furnace Company, and the vil- 
lage of Port Oram. The following year the "Mellon Mine" at Mine Hill, and 




-~ J:.srr:B J^'jbashinc Cs. Shic. 



yr^^' ^ ^^- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 183 

the "Beach Glen Mine," beyond Rockaway, were purchased, and all their prop- 
erties for upwards of thirty years were managed and operated solely by Mr. 
Oram. The properties, however, passed through various ownerships. In 
1852 they were sold to Dudley B. Feller and James Brown, a brother in the 
family of Brown Bros., the bankers of Xew York. Soon after Mr. James 
Cooper Lord, a son-in-law of Mr. Brown held an interest, and the firm of Fuller, 
Lord and Co. continued until 1875. In 1878 Mr. Oram purchased the property 
on which now stands the borough of Port Oram, so called from being a ship- 
ping port on the Morris Canal. The following year the building of the town 
was commenced by the erection of four dwelling houses, and the opening of the 
Port Oram store with a general stock of merchandise, followed in i860. This 
enterprise, inaugurated by JMr. C)ram, in connection with John Hill and \\'illiani 
G. Lathrop, of Boonton, was a year later continued under the firm name of 
Oram, Hance & Company. This firm name was continued even after the death 
of the last two partners, which occurred prior to that of Mr. Oram, and during 
all the periods of partnership the business was conducted under Mr. Oram's guid- 
ing hand, and he was practically the manager of its varied interests. The firm 
gained an enviable record for credit, and stood extremely high in the business 
world. In 1892 the other partners having died, the firm was dissolved and the 
business was assumed by Mr. Oram and Robert E. Oram. Jr.. under the firm 
name of Robert F. Oram & Co., with the latter, Robert F. Oram, Jr., as man- 
ager. The business has now grown to the extent of operating a general store. 
a drug store, a hardware store, plumbing shop and lumber and coal yards. 

Mr. Oram was also a stockholder in several banks, among them the First 
National of Morristown, the National Union of Dover, the North Ward Bank 
of Newark, and the Traders' National of Scranton, Pennsxlvania. In the first 
named he was a director almost from its incorporation until his death. Besides 
his exclusive real estate and other interests in Port Oram, he was a large real 
estate owner in Dover, where also is his homestead, a fine place of about one 
hundred and twenty acres, which he himself laid out and improved. 

Mr. Oram was for a number of years a trustee of the Presbyterian church of 
Dover, his family church, and a trustee of the Orchard Street Cemetery .As- 
sociation. In politics he was independent, never held or sought office, and was 
outspoken in his views of men and measures. 

In May. 1847. ^J^r. Oram was married to Hannah, daughter and youngest 
child of Isaac and Hannah \\'illiams, of Merthyr Tydvil, Wales. Mrs. Oram was 
a lady of rare Christian virtues. Reared in the atmosphere of a devout and 
God-fearing piety, she brought to her family, to the church and to the society in 
which she moved a grace, charm and earnestness of character equally esteemed 
and cherished by the community and the church. To her Christian abilities 
she added the keenest sense of wifely duties and alike in early struggles and later 
prosperity was the unfailing help-mate. She died at Dover. September 30, 1896. 
Mr. Oram survived her death for three years, graduall\- declining in health, dy- 
ing at Lakewood. New Jersey, March 21. 1899. 

Of nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Oram, four survived the death of 
their parents: Thomas W.. Robert F., Jr., Mrs. Charles .\ Pierce, of Dover, 
and Mrs. Frank .\. Phillips, of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 

Possessed of sturdy frame, a strong will and an indnmitalile energy, yet 



i84 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

without family prestige or pecuniary advantages as helps to make his way among 
strangers, Air. Oram's talents and energy were equal to the battle of life. Win- 
ning the esteem and confidence of his employers, then of his business associates 
and of the community, by his careful and wise judgment in business matters, 
his frugality, prudence and integrity, he amassed an ample fortune, and still more 
enduring, gave to the world the example of a noble and worthy character. 



NOAH FARWELL BLANCHARD. 

By the death of an honorable and upright citizen the community sustains an 
irreparable loss, and is deprived of the presence of one of whom it had come 
to look upon as a benefactor and a friend. Death often removes from our 
midst those who we can ill afford to spare, whose places it is difficult to fill, whose 
life and actions have been all that is exemplary of the true and thereby worthy 
citizen, and whose career, both business and social serves as a model to the young 
and as rejunevation to the aged. Such a career sheds a brightness and a lus- 
tre around everything in which it conies in contact. It creates by its usefulness 
and general benevolence a memory whose perpetuation does not depend upon 
brick and stone, but tipon the spontaneous and free-will offering of a grateful 
and enlightened people. 

By the death of Noah F. Blanchard, which occurred on May ii, i88i, the 
City of Newark lost one of its prominent and enterprising citizens He was a 
native of Nashua, New Hampshire, where he was born January 2j, 1822; his 
father, Squire Blanchard, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was a highly 
respected farmer of Nashua. His mother, before her marriage was Rachel 
Searles, she was of English extraction, her ancestors emigrating to this country 
several generations before she was born. Nine children were born to her, 
four sons and five daughters, all of them reached the age of maturity, except 
one daughter, who died in infancy. The rest, under her tender guidance, were 
reared to observe the teachings of Christ, and to be studious, energetic and hon- 
orable men and women. Whether it was early training or a natural capacity 
that was responsible for Xoah F. Blanchard's success in life is a matter of no 
consequence for his exemplary business career, fully demonstrates that he im- 
proved every opportunity and that from the age of fifteen years, when he first left 
the farm and was apprentice to the leather trade, he took up the responsibilities 
of life with a will and determination that must ultimately result in success. More 
than once he was forced to experience a severe set back to his hopes and as- 
pirations by the discontinuance of business and dishonesty of those whom he 
trusted, and in this manner he suffered what was to him at that time great finan- 
cial loss. Yet he did not lose the pluck and determination to reach the goal 
of success. 

Mr. Blanchard never had the advantages of a collegiate education ; his only 
school was a country school where he attended during the winter term, prior to 
his fifteenth year. Notwithstanding the lack of educational training in his 
youth his many business affiliations and general conmiercial connections in af- 
ter years, stamps him as having been a man who had gained that practical knowl- 




1 jji.-i/r-f i^^y'^-''' 



■ E::r>:r:cal Riblisfiinp Co 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 185 

edge ui application so essential to a successful life. He remained in the employ 
of the firm, with whom he served his apprenticeship, until he was twenty-one 
years old, at which time the firm discontinued business and young Blanchard 
was compelled to find employment elsewhere. He succeeded in getting employ- 
ment at ^\'ilmington, Massachusetts, and having become a skilled and proficient 
workman, he remained in this place for about three years, or until 1853, when 
he came to Newark to visit his Ijrother, David ( ). lilanchard, and was induced 
to locate and enter the employ of Theodore P. Howell & Company, who had 
decided to embark into the japanning of leather. In this employ, his thorough 
knowledge of the trade was so apparent to the firm that he was made general 
superintendent, and later was taken into the concern as a partner. In i860 
Mr. Blanchard withdrew from the firm and established himself in the same line 
of business, conducting it alone for two years, when his brother, David O., joined 
him in partnership, under the firm name of Xoah V. Blanchard & Brother. At 
the outbreak of the Civil War the United States government awarded to Air. 
Blanchard a contract for supplying knapsacks, haversacks and other leather 
equipments for the federal troops, and he was ke])t busy night and day with a 
force of three hundred hands, in order to supply the demand that his contract 
called for. In 1869 Air. P. \'an Zandt Lane, of Xew York, was admitted as a 
partner, the firm name became Blanchard F.rother & Lane. The establishment 
became one of the largest and best known manufactories of patent and enamel 
leather in the L'nited States. 

Among the many enterjjrises that Mr. Blanchard assisted and became in- 
terested in, may be mentioned the Prudential Life Insurance Company, of which 
he was president at the time of his death. The magnificent structure on Broad 
street, its home, is a credit to Xewark as well as the gentlemen who were in- 
strumental in its organization. Death's hand intervened before Mr. Blanchard 
was able to see the fulfillment of the confidence he always entertained for the 
Prudential Life Insurance Company's success, and no better can we illustrate 
his confidence in this establishment than to (|Uote from an inter\ie\\ with the 
present president of the Prudential, Mr. Dryden. 

In reference to Mr. Blanchard Mr. Dryden says: "In the earlv davs of 
the company when its struggle for existence was a hard one, while others were 
sceptical, his faith never faltered. He maintained the utmost confidence in 
the company's future as a means of protection to the families of the great indus- 
trial classes. In all of his business dealings he observed to the fullest extent 
fairness, and was always concerned that the rights and interests of others with 
whom he dealt, should be considered. He was genial in his personal traits of 
character, approachable at all times and made one feel that he was a true friend. 
He was large hearted as well as broad minded, he was popular with all who had 
dealings with him and insiiired a feeling of implicit confidence in all with whom 
he was brought in contact." 

Mr. Blanchard was highly esteemed by his fellow citizens. In social and 
religious matters he took an active part, and was always of the number who la- 
bor for good order as well as spiritual and intellectual improvements. He was 
a member of the Trinity M. E. church, and was for twent\-fivc years president 
of the board of trustees. He was ])resident of the Law and Order Association 
of Xewark at the time it made so cietermincil and active campaign against Sab- 



186 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

hatli desecration in 1879, and he was named as a candidate of the association 
for Mayor of Newark. This nomination, however, he refused to accept. He 
was a true and ardent Mason, a member of Newark Lodge, No. 7; Union 
Chapter, No. 7; Damascus Commandery, K. T., No. 5. In pohtics Mr. Blanch- 
ard was a staunch RepubHcan. He was a member of the Newark Board of 
Trade and a member of the board of directors of the Merchants Fire Insurance 
Compan\-. In 1873 he was instrumental in organizing the Newark Industrial 
Institute, formed for the purpose of placing on exhibition the varied industries 
of the city, which resulted largely in promoting these industries. 

Mr. Blanchard was united in marriage, July 25. 1844, to Miss Emiline C. 
Powers, the daughter of Jesse Powers, a native of Caledonia county, Vermont, 
who died when Mrs. Blanchard was yet in her infancy, and her mother subse- 
quently married a gentleman by the name of ;\loses Wood. Consequently 
Mrs. Blanchard assumed her stepfather's name, and was known during her 
maidenhood as Emiline C. Wood. Eight children have blessed the union of our 
subject, and his wife, five sons and three daughters, as follows: Emma Cath- 
arine, married Isaac H. Searles; Theodore Charles Edwin, married F"annie E. 
Wilson; Leon Noah Farwell, married (i) Lavin Roberts, (2) Annie Barry; 
Frederick Clinton, married Mary E. Dickinson; William \^'ashington, married 
Hattie E. Dickinson; Lillie Letitia. married James H. Hart; Milton Elvin. mar- 
ried Julia T. Mercer; EfTe May, married Julian H. Walter. 

Mr. lilanchard's career illiistrates most forcibly w'hat can be accomplished 
by steady application, industry, integrity and sobriety. He carved his own way 
unaided and alone. He started in life as a poor boy and he succeeded, while 
thousands who are better equipped at the outset have dropped by the wayside. 
He w'as a self-made man in the fullest sense of the often misused term, and the 
biographies of such men as he should serve as an inspiration to the young, as 
they show what hard work, intelligence and temperance can accomplish if strictly 
observed. 



HENRY ADDISON MANDEVILLE, M. D., 

Only son of Rev. Giles Henry and Rachel (Jacobus) Mandeville, was born in the 
parsonage at Newburgh, New York, December 16, 1858. He came with his 
parents to New York City at the age of nine years. His preparatory education 
was received mostly under his father's tuition. He was a close student and re- 
markably precocious. He entered New York University at the age of thirteen, 
one of the youngest students who ever matriculated at that institution. He 
completed the usual course at the age of seventeen. During the latter part, 
however, he took up a line of special studies, preparatory to taking a medical 
course. He entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, 
from which he was graduated immediately on attaining his majority. After a 
few weeks' rest he entered upon the important course of medical experience, 
covering two years, in the Presbyterian Hospital, New York. He subsequently 
became associated in practice with Dr. Thomas H. Burchard. of New York- 
City. His special abilities as a practitioner were soon manifest, and he rapidly 





^ ^U"^^, 





WJLLIAM B. ENOERS 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 187 

rose in favor with tiie profession, and achieved distinctimi in his chosen line. 
Dr. Mandeville's connection with South ( )range began on September 17, 1887, 
when he married Mrs. Jennie J. Morgan (nee Rice), and from tliat period to 
the present he has devoted his time, his talents and his energies to the moral, 
intellectual and physical development of this locality. Progressive, earnest, 
public spirited, he has left no stone unturned to make the village of South Orange 
the most attractive to suburban residents of any place in the coimtry. He was 
elected a member of the village board of trustees in 1893. He was elected trus- 
tee of the school in 1891, and after serving for three years, was re-elected in 1894. 
Many improvements have been made during this period, and Dr. Mandeville has 
endeared himself to the people by his straightforward, manly course, and his efforts 
to promote the best interests of the whole community, without fear or favor, 
Like his father, he has been a most earnest advocate of, as well as an earnest 
worker in, the cause of education, and believes in giving the poor, as well as the 
rich, the best educational advantages, by increasing the facilities of the free 
school system. He has held various positions in connection with the schools 
of South Orange, and when the IJoard of Education for the township was estab- 
lished, by act of the Legislature, in 1894, he was elected its first president. This 
is the strongest possible evidence of the confidence the people have in him and 
his methods. As a member of the board of trustees of the Eirst Presbyterian 
church. Dr. Mandeville has been earnest in his support of its temporal affairs 
and loyal to the pastor in the latter's advancement of its spiritual interests. Dr. 
Mandeville is whole-souled and liberal in his support of every enterprise w'hich 
tends to better the condition of liis fellow men. whether religious, social or 
benevolent. He is a member of the Orange Club, Essex Country Club, one 
of the governors of the South Orange Eield Club, also of the Orange Riding 
Club. He still attends to his professional duties to a limited extent, and keeps 
up his old New York connections. He is attending surgeon to the Colored 
Hospital, New York City. He is a member of the New York Pathological 
Society, New York Academy of Medicine, Hospital Graduate Society, Man- 
hattan Surgical Societv, Psi Upsilon Club, New York Club, New York Athletic 
Club and Wool Club. 



WILLIAM B. ENDERS, 



Son of William and .Anna Bloomfield Luke, was born in Rahway, New Jersey. 
January 14, 1827. The ancestors of Mr. Enders w^ere among the earliest set- 
tlers of that part of the State in which Rahway is situated. To the pioneer work 
done by them, and their immediate descendants, much of the prosperity of that 
section is ascribed. The maternal grandfather of William Barton Enders was 
Captain Robert Luke of the War of 1812. 

Rahway has, for generations, been noted as a centre of the carriage-making 
industry, and its workmanship in this line has a wide reputation. Air. William 
Enders, father of the subject of our sketcli, was among the first and best known 
carriage manufacturers of the place. 



i88 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

His son, William Barton luiders. having attained his education in the eom- 
mon schools of Rah\va\ . was ])laeed with James 'SI. Ouinby, of Newark, New 
Jersey, one of the first carriage makers of that city, or, as may be more truly 
said, one of the first of his day in the county. 

After acquiring a thorough knowledge of his trade. Mr. Enders entered 
into partnership with John T. Leverich, in 1852, in the business of carriage 
making; the partnership continued until September 29th, 1884, a period of thirty- 
two years, during which time the firm establiEhtd and held a reputation second 
to none in the State, for the excellent work turned out by its various depart- 
ments. It was a realized ambition of the firm to put nothing upon the market 
but the very highest grade of work possible. In so doing the best material only 
was used in every branch of manufactory, the finest workmen were employed, 
and the personal supervision of the gentlemen of the firm was given to each part 
of the work. It is a matter, therefore, of no surprise, that the work of the firm 
took the rank belonging to it. that its custom department received patronage 
from the most fastidious buyers in New Jersey and other states, and the firm 
name became identical with honest dealing and first class work. A well-known 
specialty of Mr. Enders' establishment was that of light coach and carriage 
making, in which the firm excelled: man\- coaches and carriages of this kind 
made by it, have since become models for other manufacturers. 

Two years after Mr. Enders and Air. Leverich had formed the partnership, a 
great calamity befell the young firm: their manufactory was, in 1854, com- 
pletely destroyed by fire, and practically everything was lost, save the fine rep- 
utation, which, even then, in its earliest day was a belonging of the firm. Noth- 
ing daunted, business v\-as at once again commenced, the ability and the credit 
already established enabling the firm to resume business, notwithstanding the 
critical position in which it found itself. 

It was always a matter of honest pride to Mr, Enders and" Mr. Leverich 
that, whatever the financial conditions of the business world, whatever the stress 
and pressure of the time, in its effect upon all branches of industry, during the 
thirty-two years of the existence of their firm, it never met with failure, and was 
always able to meet its liabilities with full one hundred cents to the dollar. This 
fact is, indeed, one of which any business man may well be proud. 

While not taking part in politics, in the active sense of the word. Air. Enders 
is known as a man interested in the good management of every department of his 
country's government. He is a Republican, and as such is loyal to the highest 
interests of his party. In church relations Mr. Enders has long been connected 
with the First Reformed church of Newark: he was a warm personal friend 
of its second pastor, the Rev. James Scott, D. D., by whom he was married, 
January 8, 1851, to Miss Joanna M. Sutphen, of Newark, New Jersey. Airs. 
Enders died in September of 1891. Two daughters are living of Air. and Airs. 
Enders, Addie AI., and Joanna \'. Enders. 

Since his retirement from business. Air Er.ders has continued to live in New- 
ark, to which city, as one of its large manufacturers, he is justly considered 
to have added his share towards the reputation which it holds, at home and 
abroad, as one of the largest manufacturing cities of the world. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



189 



REV. LOUIS SHREVE OSBORNE, 

Son of Henn- Osborne, of Salem. Massachusetts, and Louisa Shreve Osborne, 
his wife, of Saco, Maine, was born in the historic town, which was also his fath- 
er's birth]ilace. The ancestors of Henr\- Osborne came to America in its early 
davs as a colonial possession, and were, as the name indicates, of English stock. 
The names Osborne, Osborn, Osbernus. Osbern, etc., are, also, variation of a 
verv ancient baptismal name; several persons liearing it are found in Domesday 




REV. LOUIS S. OSBDRNi:. 



book, as tenants in chief of dififerent counties. liy I'erguson it is traced to tlie 
Norse, where it is inter]jreted as "the divine bear," which significance was with 
the Norsemen of old of nnicli import and surrounded with legends of prowess 
and divine origin. The name, as is well known, has been borne by the earliest 
and most distinguished families of old England. The legends associated with 
it are too numerous for quotation in this place, however interesting they may be. 
Of the name of Shreve it may be mentioned that all authorities agree that it 
is identical w itli the old English "Sln-eeve or .Shrieve." meaning Sheriiif, and was 



igo BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JtRSEY. 

borne by a family descending from one of the earliest holders of that honorable 
oiifice. 

Louis Shreve Osborne, the subject of our sketch, as a lad, received his early 
education in the private, grammar and high schools of his native town. Upon 
the completion of his preparatory studies he entered Harvard University, and was 
graduated in the class of 1873. He then became a student in the Divinity 
School of the Protestant Episcopal church, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where 
he continued until the completion of his divinity course, in 1876. In that same 
year he received an appointment as a missionary, and began his clerical life in 
Xenia, Ohio, leaving that place two years later to become rector of Grace church, 
Sandusky, Ohio. Mr. Osborne remained in Sandusky until 1884, in which 
year he accepted the office of rector of Trinity church, Chicago, Illinois, where 
he continued until called to Newark, New Jersey, in 1890. The history of his 
connection with old Trinity church in this city, is too well known to need review. 
The stand taken by Mr. C)sborne in his pastoral relations with his parish, and 
in the diocese to which he belonged, has ever been that of the zealous servant 
of God, staunch in belief, steady of purpose, wide in his sympathies, without 
prejudice in administration; in word and deed taking counsel of his own con- 
science he is a power in the church, and among those who may not be its ad- 
herents alone. He is a preacher of great energy and force, and a thinker whose 
range is not circumscribed by any mere man's dictation; because of this he is 
both loved and honored by those of his own communion and others. 

He has published many sermons, lectures and essays, with occasional poems 
and other jugative articles, and as an office bearer has been connected with many 
representative bodies in his chruch. He was deputy to the general convention, 
American Church Congress, etc. While transacting the duties of these and 
other important offices, his services were constantl\- marked with the stamp of 
the resolute and God-fearing man. 



SAMUEL HAYES PENNINGTON, 

Whose name we are pleased to place at the head of this article, was born in New- 
ark, New Jersey, C)ctober 16, 1806, and died at his residence in Newark, New 
Jersey. March 14, 1900. He descended from ancestors noted for their sterling 
worth and their patriotism, some members of the family having figured in the 
Revolutionary War. 

Dr. Pennington had excellent educational advantages. A graduate of New- 
ark Academy, he entered F'rinceton College in 1823. and received therefrom, 
in 1825, the degree of A. B . and in 1828 that of .\. M. In the latter year he 
commenced the study of medicine in the office of his maternal uncle. Dr. Samuel 
Haves, and subsequently attended lectures under the Rutgers medical faculty 
of Geneva College, among the names of whom we find those of the distinguished 
Dr. David Hosack, Dr. A'alentine Mott, Dr. John Griscom and Dr. John W. 
Francis. In 1829 he received the degree of Af. D.. and soon after be- 
gan practice with his uncle at Newark, and in 1839 succeeded to his uncle's 
practice. His great activity, knowledge and skill and excellent judgment, to- 




^~;A^>^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. igi 

. gether with his success as a practitioner, made him prominent in his profession 
and brought to him a very extensive consulting practice. For this and other 
reasons, after more than thirty years of arduous labor, he began by degrees to 
release himself from the more burdensome duties of his profession, confining his 
practice within a very limited circle. 

A man of learning himself, he naturally and cordially seconded every effort 
to advance the cause of education, and his election and re-election as a member 
of the public school board of Newark, New Jersey,— for a period of seventeen 
years, seven of which he was president of the board, — is some evidence of the 
earnestness of his labors in behalf of the interests of his native city. To the 
Newark Acadeni}-, from which he graduated, he always exhibited great devo- 
tion, becoming a member of its board of trustees as early as 1833, and from 1854 
was president of that board. In 1856 he was chosen a trustee of Princeton 
College, and soon thereafter a trustee of the Theological Seminary in the same 
place. He resigned the office of the Theological Seminary about three years 
ago, but remained a trustee of the University, and after the death of Chancellor 
Green became president of the board of the Theological Seminary. While in 
the active practice of his profession he was prominent and useful in the Medical 
Society of Essex county, and in 1848 was elected president of the State Medical 
Society. That his professional reputation was not confined to his native state, 
IS shown by the fact that he was elected an honorary member of the Connecticut 
Medical Society; and in i8y8 the New Jersey Medical Society made him an hon- 
orary member of that body; also was a corresponding member of the Medical 
Society of Munich, and of the Royal Botanical Society of Ratisbon. In the 
year 1895 he received from his alma mater, the College of New Jersey, the hon- 
orary degree of LL. D. 

As a writer. Dr. Pennington was graceful and vigorous. His productions 
are not voluminous: nevertheless he has made many and valuable contributions 
to medical science, and is the author of numerous addresses and papers on the 
subject of education and essays on kindred topics. 

More than forty years ago he took an active part in the establishment of 
the Newark City National Bank of which he was president until he died. 

The Doctor was a member of the New Jersey Historical Society, to which he 
has rendered much aid, and of the Society was president for several years, re- 
signing that position in 1897. 



JAMES a. BARNET. 



If, as has been written b.\- one of the bards, "true history is biography," it 
follows that to chronicle the deeds and achievements of the successful and rep- 
resentative citizens of a community or state is but to write the history of that 
community or state, and the biographer becomes the true historian. ' Thus it 
will be seen that the importance of making permanent record of the lives of men 
who have contributed to the material growth and prosperity of a community 
and its religious, educational and benevolent institutions, can not be over esti- 
mated. New Jersey has many citizens worthy of the distinction of receiving 



192 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF \E\V JERSEY. 

extended notice in the pages of any volume devoted to the history of the State, 
and among all of them stands conspicuously the late James G. Barnet, of New- 
ark, who. by reason of a long and useful life, by his sterling worth as a citizen, 
his activity in commercial. reiigi(nis and philanthropic circles, his lovable traits 
of character, and the good he accomplished for his fellow-men and the com- 
munity, won the admiration, esteem and love of all who knew him, and left as a 
heritage to posterity an example worthy of emulation. 

James G. Barnet was a native of the State of New Jersey, having been born 
at Mendham, Morris count}-, on September y, 1817. His father was David 
Barnet. who was born at Dundee. Scotland, on September 17, 1769. and was 
married on May 6, 1795, to ]\Iary (iordon, a cousin to Lord Byron. The great- 
great-great-grandfather of our subject was Thomas Barnette, who tied from 
France when the edict of Xantes against the Huguenots was revoked by Louis 
XVI. Thus it will be seen that Mr. Barnet sprimg from ancestors of note and 
character, and that the ruggedness of character which marked his long and 
useful life was inherent; native and inwrought in the very fibres of the man. 

When ]\Ir. Barnet was three years of age his father removed to Newark, 
New Jersey. Upon arriving at the age of nine years, his father died, after which 
he returned to Mendham, and attended a boarding school, and subsequently 
returned to Newark and entered the school of Nathan Hedges, which was one 
of the well-known institutions of learning of early Newark, and here finished 
his text-book schooling, lading the foundation of an education that broadened 
and ripened in practical knowledge as he advanced in years, for, though a busy 
man all through his life. Mr. Barnet loved books and found time to enjoy them. 
It may be said of him that he was a student all his lite, studying carefully men 
and affairs, and the great questions of religion and philanthrop\-. and constantly 
adding to his fund of general information. Arriving at the age suitable for the 
selection of a trade or avocation. Mr. Barnet \\as ap])renticed to the carpenter 
trade. This trade, however, did not seem to offer or afford sufficient attractions 
to the young man and on completing his apprenticeship and coming of age. he 
left it and never worked at carpentering again. His next employmeiU was with 
his brother-in-law, James Turnbull, who made him su]:)erintendent of one of the 
departments of his carriage factor}- in Newark. The following year. 1839. liow- 
ever. Mr. Barnet went South, and in Columbia, the capital city of .South Carolina, 
made his first important business venture by establishing himself in the clothing 
business, where he continued for ten years with unvarying success, buiMing up 
a large and lucrative business. During this time he was married, and his two 
eldest sons were born in Columbia. In 1849 Mr. P>arnet fornied a cc-iiartner- 
ship with his brother-in-law. ]\Ir. Anderson, and leaving that gentleman in charge 
of the business in Columbia, he returned to Newark in order to direct the manu- 
facture of the goods sold by the Southern house. .Subse(|uentl}- he disclosed 
of his interest in the above business, and in 1851 purchased Day's Ex]3ress. a 
transportation business operating between Newark and New York, to which he 
added a light express for quick delivery between the two cities, and this busi- 
ness he continued successfully until 1855, when he disposed of it and engaged 
in the manufacture of trunks as a member of the firm of Woodruff, Barnet & 
Co., which firm succeeded the old one of H. N. Peters & Co.. and in turn was 
succeeded by James G. Barnet & Co. This business was continued until 1862, 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 193 

when he engaged in the manufacture of gig saddles and harness. In 1867 he 
engaged in the manufacture of varnish as a member of the firm of Murphy & 
Co., the firm at that time consisting of William H. and Frankhn Murphy and 
himself. This business grew rapidly and assumed great proportions. Branches 
were established at the important trade centres in the United States and in 
Europe, and the firm became one of the largest and leading ones in that line in 
the entire country. When the firm was incorporated Mr. Barnet was made 
vice-president, a position he held until the time of his death. For over thirty 
years he was connected with the Murphy Varnish Company, during which 
period he gave to the business the larger part of his time, and to his sound judg- 
ment, splendid business talents and executive ability was due in a large measure 
the great success of the enterprise. Air. Barnet was also largely interested in 
other business enterprises, among which was the Second National Bank of New- 
ark, of which he was a director from the time of its organization until his death. 
He vv-as also one of the charter members and vice-president of the ( )cean Beacli 
Association, of Belmar, New Jersey. 

Notwithstanding the fact that the Imsiness interests of Mr. Barnet were 
large and varied, and demanded constant attention, he found time to fully dis- 
charge the duties and obligations incumbent upon him as a good citizen. He 
not only took an interest in the afifairs of his city and state, as well as the country 
at large, but also participated in local politics and accepted official positions at 
different times, thus rendering the city valuable service. He was a member of 
the Republican party from its organization, and during that party's early days 
was its candidate for Alayor of Newark, but was defeated by the late General 
Theodore Runvon, the Democratic candidate, that party being at that time in the 
majority. For eleven years, from 1852 to 1863, Mr. Barnet served with credit 
as a member of the Board of Aldermen of Newark, and was also a member of the 
first Ta.x Commission of the city, his associates on that board being James N. 
W'heeler, John MacGregor, Horace Poineer and Nathaniel C. Ball. 

In religious and philanthropic matters Mr. Barnet was very active, and it 
was in this field, probably more than in any other, that he found the real pleas- 
ures of his active life. He contributed generously of his time and means to ad- 
vance the cause of Christianity, and to promote, build up and maintain the be- 
nevolent and charitable institutions of the community. He was an active and lead- 
ing member of the Central M. E. church of Newark, from its organization in 1850 
until his death, and as one of the builders of the church contributed liberally to its 
erection and support. For many years he was president of its board of trustees. 
In this church a tablet has been erected to the memory of Mr. Barnet. The 
tablet is of white marble, framed in Mexican onyx, set in the wall at the head 
of the east aisle, and bears the following inscription: 



13 



194 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

JAMES G. BARNET. 



September 9. 1817 — July 21, 1898. 



President of the Board of Trustees, and a Alember of the same for more 

than twentv-five years. 



FAITHFUL ADMINISTRATOR. 



A GOOD MAN. 



Regard the upright, for the end 
of that man is peace. 

He was also a trustee of St. John's African M. E. Church, and with two asso- 
ciates carried that church along for a number of years financially. He did as 
much for St. James' African M. E. Church. A few years ago he, in connection 
with Mr. William H. Murphy, built and presented to the Newark Conference 
the Summerfield church, of Newark, and in association with the late Enoch 
Belles, he carried to completion the Centenary chapel of that city. He was 
director in the Hospital for the Relief of Women and Children, and of the Old 
Ladies' Home, both of Newark. In an unofificial way, otherwise than above 
mentioned, Mr. Barnet exercised his benevolence and generosity towards Chris- 
tian and charitable institutions, while his private contributions to the poor and 
needy were commensurate with his purse. On May 16, 1842, Mr. Barnet was 
united in marriage with Mary W. Hendrickson, who was the daughter of James 
G. and Hannah Hendrickson, both of whom were descendants of Revolutionary 
ancestors of Monmouth county. New Jersey. The death of Mr. Barnet occurred 
at his summer home h Belmar, New Jersey, on July 21, 1898, while that of his 
wife occurred on April 13, 1894. Their surviving children are as follows: 
David H., born at Columbia, South Carolina, William H., born at Columbia, 
South Carolina, and James G., Jr., born at Newark, New Jersey. 

Mr. Barnet was in every sense a representative citizen, a term too often mis- 
used and abused, but when applied to him was peculiarly appropriate. He was 
endowed with ability far beyond the ordinary, and used that ability to the very 
best purpose. His characteristics were of the kind that endeared him to all with 
whom he came in contact, either in a commercial or social way. He was up- 
right, thrifty, enterprising and progressive. A successful business man, he 




"^^i^**. ii^-^- 




BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 195 

accomplished much, yet always in an honest, conscientious, commercial spirit, 
and never at the cost of others. This trait of his character was well known 
and fully appreciated, and it is a fact worthy of mention that his advice was fre- 
quently sought by business competitors and, as he always endeavored to advise 
them for their benefit, the advice so eagerly sought and freely given, was often 
followed to the good of those who consulted him. He always exerted great in- 
fluence over his friends and business associates without in the least seeking to do 
so, it being due rather to their great faith in him and their demands upon him 
for helpful advice, and often assistance, that gave him this power, which he 
exercised so conscientiously Mr. Barnet did much for Newark and her en- 
terprises and institutions, and lived to receive his reward in witnessing the fruits 
of his own labors. He was a conservative man in business affairs, a trait which 
no doubt contributed largely to his success, and gained for him prestige in the 
commercial world. Logical in his reasoning and deductions, firm in his con- 
victions, and possessing the courage of his convictions, he was at once a safe 
counsellor, a valuable business associate, a firm friend, and a generous com- 
petitor. C)f foes he had none, for those who knew him never harbored unkind 
thoughts of him. A good citizen, a true Christian philanthropist, a liberal bene- 
factor, and an honest man. What more needs be written of him. A local pa- 
per, in speaking editorially of the death of Mr. Barnet, closed its articles with the 
following observation which speaks volumes: "The world is better because he 
has lived in it." 



HON. QROVER CLEVELAND, 

The twenty-second and twenty-fourth President of the United States, was born 
in Caldwell, Essex county, New Jersey, March 18, 1837. His earliest American 
ancestor was Moses Cleveland who emigrated from England in 1635. and set- 
tled in Woburn, Massachusetts, where he died in 1701. The father of the sub- 
ject of this sketch was Richard I-'alley Cleveland, who was a native of Nor- 
wich, Connecticut, and who married in 1829, Ann Neal, daughter of a merchant 
of Baltimore. The father was graduated from Yale College in 1824, and five 
years afterward was ordained a Presbyterian minister. When licensed to preach 
he was a school teacher in Baltimore. In 1834 he received a call to become the 
pastor of the Presbyterian church at Caldwell, New Jersey, to succeed the Rev. 
Stephen Grover, who, by reason of his advanced age, was no longer able to per- 
form the duties of pastor. It was in this New Jersey hamlet that the subject 
of our sketch was born, and it was in honor of his father's beloved predecessor 
that he was named Stephen Grover Cleveland. The first name was early drop- 
ped, and he has since been known as Grover Cleveland. In 1840 he moved with 
his family to Fayetteville, Onondaga county, N. Y., where he received his early 
education, and where, until the death of his father, in 1853. he continued to re- 
side, with the exception of one year, when he was at school in Clinton. Oneida 
countv. New York. Soon after the death of his father he joined his elder broth- 
er, William, then a teacher in the New York Institution for the Blind in New 
York Citv. Here he remained one vear, when he went to Holland Patent, in 



196 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JEkbEY. 

Oneida county, the residence of his mother, where he remained until May, 1855. 
Resolved to seek his fortune in the West, he left the home of his mother, and 
stopping in the City of Buffalo, New York, he foimd employment as a clerk with 
a. law firm in that city, where he began the study of Blackstone, and received 
four dollars a week for his services as a copyist. In 1859 he was admitted to the 
bar, but remained with the firm that first employed him during the following 
three }ears, at a salary at no time exceeding one thousand dollars a year. In 
January, 1863, he was appointed Assistant District Attorney of Erie county, an 
office which he held for three years with such success that in 1865 he received 
the nomination of his party for District Attorney for the county, but at the polls 
he was defeated by a small majority. With great success he continued the 
practice of his profession until 1870, when he was elected Sheriff of Erie county. 
At the expiration of his term of office as Sheriff, he resumed his practice at the 
bar, attaining high rank as a lawyer and becoming noted for his abilities as an 
advocate and counselor. In 1881 Mr. Cleveland received from the Democratic 
party of Buffalo, Xew York, the nomination for Mayor of that city, and was 
elected by a very large majority. In January of the following year he entered 
upon the duties of the office, and soon iDccame known as the "\"eto Mayor" on 
account of his fearless use of the prerogative in checking extravagance in pub- 
lic expenditures. It is estimated that in this way he saved the city nearly a 
million dollars during the first six months of his administration. So ably did he 
discliarge the duties of his office that he won the highest encomiums from the 
press and the people, irrespective of party. On the twenty-second day of Sep- 
tember, 1882, Mr. Cleveland received from the Democratic State Convention 
held at Syracuse, the nomination for Governor in opposition to Charles J. Folger, 
at that time Secretary of the United States Treasury, nominated for the same 
office three days before by the Republican State Convention at Saratoga. While 
in the canvass which took place on this occasion, the Democratic party was en- 
tirely united, it was not so in the Republican ranks, tnany of the party believing 
that in the nomination of Mr. Folger, fraud had, to some extent, been practiced, 
though the character of the Republican candidate, and indeed of both candidates 
was unimpeachable. On the ist of January, 1883, Mr. Cleveland entered upon 
his duties as Governor quietly and without parade. The utmost simplicity 
prevailed in the Executive Mansion as well as in the Executive Chamber. The 
Governor was accessible to all alike, and his management of the affairs of State 
upon the same essential lines that governed his action while Mayor of the City 
of Buffalo. In November, 1884, the election for President and Mce-President 
of the United States took place, as it does in every bissextal year. On this occa- 
sion there were four candidates in the field, viz: Grover Cleveland, of New 
York, Democratic: James G. Blaine, of Maine, Republican: Benjamin F. But- 
ler, of ]\Iassachusetts, Labor and Greenback, and John P. St. John, of Kansas, 
Prohibition. Mr. Cleveland triumphed in the Electoral College by a majority 
of thirty-seven, and on the 6th of January, 1885, he resigned the governorship 
of the State of New York. On the 2d of March following, he proceeded to 
Washington, and on the 4th went to the Capitol accompanied by President 
Arthur, and delivered his inaugural address, at the conclusion of which the oath 
of office was administered by Chief Justice Waite. .\t the close of the cere- 
monies he entered an open carriage with ex-President Arthur, and was driven 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 197 

to the White House, wliere, from a temporary platform, he reviewed the in- 
augural procession, numbering more than one hundred thousand men. After 
the inauguration of the President, his sister. Miss Rose Elizabeth Cleveland be- 
came mistress of the White House. She was a highly educated woman, and 
the author of a volume of lectures and essays published under the title of "George 
Eliot's Poetry and Other Stories." She also published in 1886, "The Long 
Run," a novel. President Cleveland married, in the White House, on June 2, 
1886, Frances Folsom, daughter of his deceased friend and partner, C)scar Fol- 
som, of the Buffalo bar. Several months prior to the close of President Cleve- 
land's term of office, the work of selecting his successor in office begun. As 
early as in the month of JMay, 1888, demonstrations were made in this direction, 
and before the end of June four candidates were named by as many different po- 
litical parties. The two most prominent of these candidates \vere General Ben- 
jamin Harrison, the candidate of the Republican party, and Grover Cleveland, 
the Democratic candidate. The election, which was held in November fol- 
lowing, resulted in the defeat of Mr. Cleveland, and the choice, by the Electoral 
College of General Harrison, by a majority of sixty-five. On the 4th of March, 
1889. Mr. Cleveland retired from the presidential office and removed to the City 
of New York, where he resumed the practice of his profession as a member of the 
law firm of Stetson, Tracy & McVeagh. In the next presidential campaign, 
which took place in 1892, Mr. Cleveland and General Harrison were again nom- 
inated for the high office which each had alread}- filled for a single term. The 
national election was on the 8th of November, 1892, and its result was equally 
amazing to both political parties. i\Ir. Cleveland was elected by an almost un- 
precedented majority of the electoral vote, while the Democrats secured con- 
trol of both branches of Congress for the first time in thirty-one years, carrying 
twenty-eight out of the forty-four states of the Union. Mr. Cleveland was m- 
augurated for the second time on March 4th, 1893, ^"d served to the end of his 
term, March 4th, 1897. After welcoming to the White House, and performing 
his part at the inauguration of his successor in office, Mr. Cleveland sought rest 
for a few days on the coast of North Carolina. He remained here tmtil the 17th 
of March, when he set out for his new home in Princeton, New Jersey, where 
at an early hour on the morning of the 18th he was welcomed by Mrs. Cleve- 
land and his three little daughters: Ruth, born in New York City, October 
3. 1891: Esther, born in Washington, September 9, 1893, and Marion, born in 
Buzzard's Bay, ^lassachusetts, July 7, 1895. 



JOHN F. DRYDEN— PRESIDENT OF THE PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE 
COMPANY OF AMERICA. 

No man in America is more justly entitled to be called self-made than John 
F. Dryden, President of the Prudential Life Insurance Company of America. 
Mr. Dryden has not only achieved a great personal success in the way of advanc- 
ing his fortunes materially, securing affluence and an e.xalted place in the esti- 
mation of his fellow men, being best liked where he is best known, but in the 
annals of business bearing upon American sociological evolution he has won for 



198 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

himself enduring fame as a great contributor to the welfare of the American 
people, particularly the industrial masses. He accomplished in America what 
Sir Henry Harben (who received Knighthood at the hands of the Queen at the 
recent Jubilee) accomplished in England — broke down the old barriers of the 
classes, which monopolized for the rich and well-to-do the benefits and blessings 
of life insurance, and made it possible for the humblest toiler and wage-earner 
in the land to enjoy the same life insurance privileges and protection propor- 
tioned to his means. John F. Dryden is, in a word, not only the chief creator 
of the wonderfully successful company whose splendid home office is in Newark, 
New Jersey, and whose branch offices are spread all over the Union, but he is the 
originator of the system of life insurance in America known as industrial, which 
now embraces eight millions of people and which has been the main factor in 
increasing the regularly insured in this country from three-quarters of a million 
in 1875 to fully ten millions in 1898. 

Industrial insurance had no existence in America until 1875. Fo'' twenty 
years before that it had been in successful operation in England, btit those who 
had given the subject any thought believed that stich a system could not be ar- 
ranged so that it could be successfully applied in this country owing to the dif- 
ferences existing between our conditions and our population generally as com- 
pared with those in England. One American alone thought otherwise. He be- 
lieved a plan could be devised that would succeed here. To think out and pre- 
pare stich a plan was the task he set himself. After years of study and prepara- 
tion, the task was accomplished, and, what is of infinitely more importance, the 
plan was put in successful operation in Xewark. This was in the fall of 1875. 
The man was John F. Dryden. 

^Ir. Dryden was born near Farmingham, Maine, Atigust 7, 1839. His 
parents, who were of the farming class and of English yeomanry stock that emi- 
grated to New England not many years subsequent to the landing of the Pil- 
grims at Plymouth Rock, designed him for a career at the bar, the analytical and 
logical bent of his mind suggesting this as the most suitable field for his life- 
work. In 1 86 1 he entered Yale College. Excessive devotion to study greatly 
in';)aired his health, however, and, just as he was about to graduate, with every 
prospect of high honors, he was forced to leave the University and search for 
physical recuperation. .Abandoning the idea of pursuing the law as a profes- 
sion, he became interested in life insurance, and made an exhaustive study of its 
principles, closely examining everything that he cotild obtain in print on the sub- 
ject. .\ reference to industrial insurance as operated in England in a report 
10 the Massachusetts Legislature by the late Elizur Wright, an acknowledged 
authority on insurance, attracted Mr. Dryden's attention. Mr. Wright doubted 
if such a svstem could be successfully operated in .\merica. This it was that 
set Mr. Dryden thinking, with the result stated already. In 1873 he went to 
Newark, New Jersey, then, as now, a great centre of all sorts of manufactures. 
Being without capital himself, he interested a number of men of means, mostly 
large employers of labors, in his plan. With their co-operation he procured a 
charter from the New Jersey Legislature, and, after two years preparatory and 
ptirely experimental work with an organization known as "The Widows and 
Orphans Friendly Society," on October 13, 1875, began the real work of estab- 
lishing industrial insurance in .America. On that date, in a manner the extreme 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 199 

of modesty, Mr. Dryden and his associates threw open the doors of "The Pruden- 
tial Insurance Company of America." From the first, the concern was a suc- 
cess. It spread out and prospered steadily, and in every direction. So marked 
w-as its progress, and so thorough its demonstration of the practicability of op- 
erating life insurance for the masses, that other companies arose and resolved to 
try their fortunes in the same field of labor. In 1879 the Prudential e.xtended 
its lines beyond New Jersey, and began its astonishingly successful march east 
and west, and now its representatives cover every centre of population from the 
Canadian border north to Colorado in the west and Florida in the south. \\'ith 
scarcely sufficient capital at the beginning to meet the most carefully adminis- 
tered running expenses, but with typical American energy unbounded, and a de- 
gree of faith in the feasibility and success of the system adopted that was simply 
sublime, the pioneer industrial company has pressed on, from triumph to tri- 
umph, until now it stands acknowledged as one of the first institutions of its kind 
in the world, its dealings being with millions of people and its trans- 
actions being with millions of money. Its last annual statement 
shows that it has nearly 3,000,000 of policies in force, that it has more 
than $23,000,000 of assets, that it has an excess of $15,500,000 annual income, 
that it has paid policy-holders, altogether, over 831,000.000, and that it has out- 
standing risks amounting to 8350,000,000. 

In 1886 the Prudential began to operate ordinary life insurance also, its 
success here being secondary only to its success in industrial insurance. It has 
about fifty-five thousand ordinary policies in force, representing risks amounting 
to about $60,000,000, and already it has paid out in ordinary claims about 81.- 
300,000. 

To have, through the genius of his irresistible energy, his indomitable per- 
severance, and his splendid courage, created the marvellously successful insti- 
tution described, to have conceived and formulated upon a practical basis the 
system of American industrial insurance now in operation all over the land, and to 
have blazed the way for its wondrous success — these are the achievements that 
constitute the life work of John F. Dryden. 

In politics Mr. Dryden has been a life-long Republican, a consistent, un- 
swerving and devoted member and worker in the ranks of the party of Fremont 
and Lincoln and Greeley and Grant and Garfield. But while he has from the 
first been a close and interested observer of public affairs, local, state and na- 
tional, and has been ever ready to fulfill all his duties as a party man. and has 
fulfilled them, he has never been a seeker after political honors and preferment, 
choosing rather that others should be the recipients of the rewards of fidelity to 
party. Only once has Mr. Dryden been prevailed upon to accept political dis- 
tinction, and it was at the last Presidential election, when he ran for and was 
elected Presidential Elector-at-Large on the Republican ticket, receiving the 
imprecedented majority, in a state usually Democratic, of eighty-seven thousand 
six hundred and ninetv-two. 



200 BiCGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

HOWARD P. FROTHINQHAM. 

Few of our countrymen have attained success, destinction and wealth at 
such an early age, even when aided by influence and gifted by early advantage 
in boyhood. But Mr. Frothingham owes everything to his natural abilities, 
namely his acute perceptive powers, his absolute integrity and his unremitting 
energy. It may be said that a boyhood of necessary toil comprehends the his- 
tory of the early life of our men of action and does not debar success; but there 
are few other known instances where a young man by sheer force of character 
has deserved and attained such an influential position as that now occupied in the 
business world by Mr. Frothingham. An authority on finance, the natural and 
proper representative of our wealthiest banking corporations on the floor of the 
New- York Stock Exchange, with millions of money at his disposal every day, 
he never ^-et has proved unequal to the grave responsibilities cast upon him by 
the high and powerful position he has reached. 

His varied duties call for the strictest economy of time, yet he is no slave 
to his success, nor has he been spoiled by prosperity nor soured by selfishness. 
Of an exceedingly generous disposition, he exercises in his interest for the wel- 
fare of others, the same judgment in the use of his efforts and his money that 
have so well built up his own fortunes. His play would be work indeed to an 
inferior mind, and the borough of ]Mt. Arlington and the Xew Jersey Fish and 
Game Commission owe their success and value largely to his expenditure of 
time and labor for them, which a weaker man would be forced to use in recu- 
peration and rest from his daily toil. 

If from his past we may predict his future, we may reasonably assume, be- 
cause he does not dazzle or flash, but casts a bright and steady light, that his 
career will be no comet flight, but a beacon to illumine and to cheer, to guide 
and to encourage his fellow-men. 



THEODORE FRELINQHUYSEN 

Was born in Franklin, Somerset county. Xew Jersey, March 28th, 1787: died 
in Xew Brunswick. Xew Jersey. April 12th. 1861. He was the son of General 
Frederick Frelinghuysen. a gallant officer of the Continental Army, and a grand- 
son of Rev. John Frelinghuysen. a minister of the Reformed Dutch church, who 
came to America from Holland in 1720. He was educated at the College of 
X"ew Jersey. Princeton, and was graduated from that institution with high 
honors in 1804. Immediately after leaving college. Mr. Frelinghuysen began 
the study of law in the office of Richard Stockton at Princeton, and in 1808 was 
admitted to the bar as an attorney at law. In 181 1 he became a counselor, and 
in 181 7 received the dignified title of sergeant at law. 

In 1809 Mr. Frelinghuysen removed to X'ewark. Xew Jersey, and was mar- 
ried to INIiss Charlotte, daughter of Archibald Mercer. Esq. 

Here he became so successful in his chosen profession that, in 1817, when 
only thirty years of age. he was appointed Attorney-General of the State, which 
important office he held for many years. In 1829 he was chosen a member of 





2^^?^??^ 




BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 201 

the United States Senate, in which body he achieved great distinction. Mr. 
Frelinghuysen, in the mean time, refused a seat on the bench of the Supreme 
Court of his native state. In 1836 he accepted, at the hands of his fellow cit- 
izens, the position of Mayor, he being the second to hold that office. 

In 1839 he w-as unanimously chosen Chancellor of the University of New 
York, and while in the occupancy of this office, was in May, 1844, nominated 
by the Whig National Convention at Baltimore, for the Vice-Presidency of the 
United States, on the same ticket as Henry Clay. He continued in the dis- 
charge of his duties as Chancellor of the University until 1850, when he accepted 
the presidency of Rutgers College, and in the same year was formally in- 
ducted into that office, continuing in it until the day of his death. Mr. Freling- 
huysen was an earnest advocate of th claims of organized Christian benevolence, 
and it is said of him that no American layman was ever associated with so manv 
great religious and charitable national organizations. He was president of no 
less than three of these during some period of their existence, while his name 
may be found on the list of officers of all the rest, with scarcely an exception. 
For sixteen years he was president of the American Board of Commissioners 
for foreign missions. From April, 1846, till his death he was president of the 
American Bil:)le Society: vice-president of the American Sunday-school Union, 
and for many years vice-president of the American Colonization Society. In 
the work of all these institutions he took an active part. His remains were 
buried in the ground of the First Reformed Dutch church, in New Brunswick, 
New lersev. 



FREDERICK T. FRELINQHUY5EN, 

Son of General Frederick's third son, Frederick, lawyer, born in Millstone, Au- 
gust 4th, 1817. died in Newark, May 20, 1885, was but three years of age when 
his father died, and was at once adopted by his uncle, Theodore. He was 
graduated at Rutgers in 1836: studied law with his uncle, Theodore, at New- 
ark, and was admitted to the bar in 1839. In this year his uncle was called 
to the chancellorship of the University of New- York, and the young attorney 
succeeded to his practice. He was chosen City Attorney in 1849, and in the 
following year was also elected City Counsel. Not long afterwards he became 
the retained counsel of the New Jersey Central Railroad Company and became 
generally known throughout the State. His name was mentioned as a candidate 
for Attorney-General of New Jersey in 1857, and in 1861 was appointed to that 
office. In this same year Mr. Frelinghuysen was a member of the Peace Con- 
gress in Washington, where he was a conspicuous figure. On the expiration 
of his term as Attorney-General, in 1866, he was reappointed bv Governor 
Marcus L. Ward, but in the same year was appointed by the Governor to the 
United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of William \\'right. 
He took his seat in the Senate in December, 1866, and was elected in the winter 
of 1867 to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Wright, wliich would end on March 4th, 
1869. He now resigned the office of Attorney-General to occupy one which, it 
is said, had long been the sunnuit of his ambition. .At the expiration of his 



202 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

term in 1869, the majority of the Legislature was opposed to him in politics, and 
as a matter of course, his re-election was impossible. In 1870, President 
Grant nominated him as Minister to England, and the nomination was promptly 
confirmed by the Senate without the usual reference to the committee. Mr. 
Frelinghuysen, however, declined the appointment. 

On July 25th, 1871, he was again elected L'nited States Senator for the full 
term of six years. 

In 1877, a majority of the Legislature being again Democratic, he was suc- 
ceeded by John R. McPherson. On December 12th, 1881, President Arthur 
invited Mr. Frelinghuysen to a seat in the Cabinet as Secretary of State. 

Surrendering his seat to his successor in the Cabinet on March 4, 1885, he 
went at once to his home in Newark, New Jersey, where on his arrival he found 
himself too ill to receive the citizens and friends who had filled his house to wel- 
come him. For many weeks he lay in a lethargic condition which continued 
until the end. 

He was a close student of the Bible, and an active member of that branch of 
the church in which so many of his forefathers had been bright and shining 
lights. 

He was president of the American Bible Society, and for thirty-four years 
a trustee of Rutgers College. Many of his speeches were never written until 
after they been delivered; but he never spoke as he once told a writer, without 
engraving on his memory in their exact order, every w-ord he was about to utter; 
and so tenacious was that memory that, whenever he deemed it important to com- 
mit anything to writing, the manuscript was for him thereafter a useless paper. 



FRANCIS A. QILE, M. D. 



Son of .Alfred Augustus Gile, and Mary Lucinda Kern, his wife, was horn at 
Franklin Falls, New Hampshire, July igth, 1845. The familv of Gile or 
Guild, as it is differently spelled, is of English and Scotch origin. The bearers 
of that name ap])ear among the earliest settlers of the Massachusetts colony of 
whom Samuel Guild, of Hoverliill, Massachusetts, who belongs to the history 
of that place as early as 1637, is an ancestor of the subject of our sketch The 
mother of Dr. Gile, was a descendent of an old Dutch family, the Kerns, whose 
immediate ancestors settled in Hamburg. Pennsylvania. 

The early education of Dr. Gile was received in the common schools of his 
native state, after leaving which he became a pupil in the New Hampshire Con- 
ference Seminary, of Tilton, New Hampshire. 

The War of the Rebellion began, while the youth was yet a school boy. and 
we find him, leaving his education, before it received its after classical and scien- 
tific completion, that he might enter the service of his country. Entering, at 
the age of seventeen, he became a member of the i6th New Hampshire \'olun- 
teers, and served under General Banks, in the Department of the (nilf. During 
this time of service, he took part in the following engagements and expeditions: 
the Red River expedition of 1863, and Port Hudson; in the same year, where 
on March 14th, at midnight, he witnessed the passing of Admiral Farrigut's flag- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 203 

ship, Hartford, followed by the U. S. warship Mississippi, with (Admiral) George 
Dewey on board. 

The Mississippi at that time took fire, her magazine exploded, destroying 
the vessel. Grand Gulf, Brasier City and Fort Burton, at Bute La Rose, on the 
Atchafalaya River. William A. Gile, a brother of the Doctor's, (afterwards a 
well-known lawyer of Worcester, and a prominent member of the Massachusetts 
Legislature) was his companion in the army. 

At the close of the war the young man returned to those literary and scien- 
tific pursuits which had been interrupted by the response of his heart to the 
demand, it recognized the protection of the honor and safety of his land. While 
the early bent of his mind may have been towards a professional life, there is little 
doubt but that the experience of his years in the midst of suffering and death, 
may have influenced him in the choice of the practice of medicine as a life work. 
To this end he enteerd the Homeopathic Medical College of New York, and after 
graduation began the practice of medicine in that city, which he continued, later, 
in the State of New Jersey, particularly in the City of Orange. 

His name was soon promin -t among his professional brothers, and he was 
called upon to serve as president of the New Jersey State Homeopathic Medical 
Society, and was treasurer of the same for several years. In 1886 he was 
elected councilman, and, in 1893, was made coroner of Essex county. New Jer- 
sey. Dr. Gile is a Mason. He married, July 9, 1879, Annie Cattell, daughter 
of the late Rev. Alexander Gilmore, whose record as a chaplain in the army for 
fifty years, an influential member of the Methodist Conference of New Jersey, 
made him a man of note in the history of Methodism, and a power in that church. 



JOHN K. GORE, 



Son of George \Mtherden Gore and Mary Lewis Kinsey, his wife, was born in 
Newark, New Jersey, February 3, 1864. The ancestors of Mr. Gore, upon his 
father's side, were English. His paternal grandfather was Israel Gore, M. D., 
whose wife was Mary Witherden, both of Margate, England. A curious coin- 
cidence respecting the surnames of Gore and Witherden, connects them both, at 
a remote period, with property holdings. Early authorities claim that when 
surnames were first used in England the family of Gore took its name from a 
piece of property called Gore, the Witherdens from a manor in Ticehurst, county 
Sussex. Be this as it may, l)uth families are of remote origin. The Kinseys, 
from whom John Kinsey Gore is descended upon his mother's side, were people 
prominent in Revolutionary history. Some authorities claim that Kinsey, county 
York. England, derived its name from the Kinseys, for which claim there ap- 
pears reasonable grounds. Other authorities give the name a Welsh origin. 
Joel and Nancv Kinsey, of Newark. New Jersey, were the grandparents of the 
subject of our sketch. 

Mr. Gore received his earl\- education in his native city, where he attended 
both public and private schools. It is upon record that the boy was one of 
the youngest pupils ever admitted to the Newark public high school, where also 
his record was that of a student. In 1883 Mr. Gore was graduated at Columbia 



;204 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

in the honor class. From the date of his graduation, in 1883, to 1892, Mr. 
Gore was engaged in New York City, as preparatory school teacher, vice-prin- 
cipal and manager. 

In 1892 he entered the employ of the Prudential Insurance Company of 
America, located in Newark, New Jersey. his rise, through various positions 
in this great and world-known institutions, was rapid. Entered as a clerk in 
1892, the following year he was given a place as mathematician; two years later 
he became assistant actuary, and in 1897 accepted the important official position 
tendered to him, of actuary of the company. From 1895 ^o 1897 he was school 
commissioner. Honors and responsijjilities of this kind do not often come to a 
man so early in his life history, and it is but due to Mr. Gore to say that to his 
peculiar fitness for this position, and for each preceding one, — a fitness that his 
associates recognized, and could not pass by, — to his fidelity, his application and 
thorough equipment, his business success is undoubtedly owing. 

Mr. Gore is interested in the best advance of his fellow-man; he is a believer 
in and a promoter of education. He has served his native city ujion its Board 
of Education, and in athletic atir'airs he has held prominent positions, as he ap- 
preciates the wise development of physical powers. As an early member and 
organizer of the Riverside Athletic Club of Newark, New Jersey, and its presi- 
dent from 1890 to 1895, this association owes much of its success, financially 
and otherwise, to him. 

It is well, when, amid the pressure and responsibility of business care, a man 
does take time for human interest, and systematically gives to his fellows some- 
thing of himself, socially, intellectually and spiritually. This thought of others 
seems to have characterized Mr. Gore's life from his boyhood. In the little 
club, or society for study and mental improvement, in the larger interests of 
young manhood, and when burdened later with the graver responsibility of life 
work, the same thought of family and friend, of the best good of others, both pri- 
vate and public, has marked his life, and, drawing him to his brother man in hu- 
man interest, has been, perhaps, the true secret of his power. In public life 
he has not sought office, and in accepting positions, it has been rather oppor- 
tunity than office for which he has cared. 

In politics Mr. Gore is a Republican. He is a member of various literary 
and other clubs and societies, as the Essex Club, and the New England Society 
of Orange, the American Mathematical Society and the Actuarial Society of 
America, the last two of New York City. 

Mr. Gore married, February 16, 1898, Jeannette Amelia Littell, daughter 
of the late John M. Littell, of Newark. New Jersey. 



JAMES R. HAY, 



Son of Philip Cortlandt Hay, D. D., was born in Geneva, New York, March 
loth, 1844. The map of Normandy shows man\- localities called La Haie; from 
one of these, in early Norman times, if not actually before the Conquest, the Hay 
family, ancient in England and Scotland, in those days, undoubtedly came. The 
jiame was then written UeHaia and DeLaHav. King Henrv First gave to 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



205, 



Robert de Haia the Lordship of Hahiaker, county Sussex, at the close of the 
twelfth century. From William deHay descended Hay, Marquis of Tweed 
Dale, and Hay, Earl of Errol, hereditary Lord High Constable of Scotland. 
These are well authenticated facts, and from these Hays the American family 
of Ha}- descends. 

The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was Col. Samuel Hay, who,, 
having equipped a company of men from his own employ in his blast furnaces 
at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, joined the Colonial Army, January 9th, 1776. as cap- 




J.\ME.S K. HAV. 

tain of the 6th Pennsylvania Battalion. In 1778, Col. Hay was promoted to. 
the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and transferred to the loth Regiment. Penn- 
sylvania Line. In recognition of his bravery, in leading the attack at Stony 
Point, July 1 6th, 1779, as Acting Colonel, General Washington presented the 
gallant officer with a pair of pistols. Colonel Hay will be always honored as 
a charter member of the Society of Cincinnati, he was captain of the Silver 
Grays of Newark, a company made up of retired officers of the Revolutionarv 
Army. That he was a man interested in literary matters, as well as a patriot, 
is evinced by the fact that he belonged to the first board of trustees of the New- 
ark Academy. 



2o6 BIOGR-\PHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JHRSEY. 

James Richards Hay is. uf>on his mother's side, a grandson of Silas Condit, 
who is well known as first president of the Newark Banking Company, which 
office he held for twenti.- years, and also as a prominent figure in fHslitics from 
183 1 to 1844. during which time he served in the United States Legislature as 
Congressman and member of the State Constitutional Convention of 184+. 

It may be said, without robbing Mr. Hay of his own credit, that, with such 
an ancestry- he could scarcely help being himself a man of affairs. 

At the close of his educational life Mr. Hay began business with the well- 
known firm of Can.-. Howard & Sanger, of Xew York, remaining with them 
six years. In 1863 he organized the firm of Hay & Spratt. in Chicago: which 
firm has the credit of being the first to import druggists' sundries direct from 
EngUsh and French manufacturers. Ha\"ing disposed of his Chicago busi- 
ness. Mr. Hay came to Xew Jersey, and invested in lands in X'utley. where his 
talent, in real estate and other matters, soon made him a leader in building opera- 
tions and a man of imp>ortance to his fellow townsmen. In 1875. with his broth- 
er SUas Condit Hay. he organized the Franklin Loan & Improvement Company, 
and purchased a large tract of land, upon which is located the principal railroad 
station in Xutley. In 1889. Mr. Hay organized the X'utley \\'ater Company, 
and. until in 1895. when the plant was purchased by the township of Franklin, he 
supplied the village with water from springs upon his own place. In aU that 
I)ertains to the best interests of X'utley Mr. Hay's name has for years been fore- 
most, and to him the %-illage is largely indebted for its upbuilding and improve- 
ment. 

\^'hile Mr. Hay's business, as ha\-ing charge of the real estate of one of the 
largest and most active estates in Xew York Cit}.-. calls him to that cit>" chief!}', 
he is keenly interested in the advance of Xutley in tempnaral. religious and edu- 
cational matters. Since 1873. Mr. Hay has been well known in connection with 
Grace Episcopal church, of which, for the past ten years, he has been a warden. 

In 1878 he married Sarah A., daughter of Richard Kingsland. a prominent 
ctitzen of Acquackanonk. Xew Jersey, and a man of famous Holland descent. 

The four children of Mr. and Mrs. Hay are aU living: PhiUp Kingsland, 
Elizabeth Condit. Richard Kingsland. and Sarah M. 



CH.ARLES K. CANNON. 



Ex-Corporation Attorney of Hoboken. Xew Jersey, and Supreme Court Com- 
missioner and Master in Chancerv;. was bom in Bordentown. Xew Jersey. X'o- 
vember 12. 1846. the son of Colonel Garrett S. Cannon and Hannah Kinsey. 
His father was a lawyer of eminence, and for fifteen years the Prosecutor of the 
Pleas for Burlington count\-. His mother was the daughter of Charles Kinsey, 
a prominent lawyer of Burlington, and his maternal grandfather, James Kinsey, 
was Chief Justice of the Xew Jersey Supreme Court from 1789 to 1803. 

Mr. Cannon, having prepared for college in the preparatory" department of 
Burlington College, founded by George Washington Doane. a former Bishop of 
Xew Jersey, and in Saint Mary's Academy, under the tuition of \^"illiam Cross- 
well Doane. the present Bishop of .\lbany, X'ew York, and a son of Bishop 



M 



pis. 



\ 




CHARLES K. CANNON 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 207 

George Washington Doane, entered Yale College in his seventeenth year, and 
was graduated, cum laude, in the class of 1867. Both from ancestral prestige 
and from special endowment Mr. Cannon, upon leaving college, chose the law, 
and entering as a student in his father's office at Bordentown, he devoted the 
year succeeding his graduation to careful and thorough study. In the fall of 
1868 he entered the law school of Columbia College, New York City, and was 
graduated with the degree of LL. B. in May. 1870; was admitted to the New 
York bar in June of the same year, and in the following November was licensed 
as an attorney of the State of New Jersey. He at once located in Hoboken, 
where he has since been engaged in active practice. 

In 1873 ^^^- Cannon was licensed as a counselor. In 1877 he was elected 
Corporation Attorney for the City of Hoboken, holding the position with marked 
industry and fidelity for one year. Though early established in a large private 
practice. Air. Cannon has. in recent years, devoted himself more especially to 
references and has had many important cases entrusted to his judicial determi- 
nation. He at present holds the responsible offices of Supreme Court Com- 
missioner and Special Master in Chancery. 

Mr. Cannon is a director in the First National Bank of Hoboken; is vice- 
president of the Columbia Club, the leading social organization of the city; and 
is a vestryman and treasurer in Trinity church. Hoboken. 

In April. 1880, he was married to Agnes Russell, daughter of Samuel Her- 
bert, old residents of Hoboken. Two children were born to them: Garret 
S. in 1881, and Agnes H. in 1883. Mrs. Cannon died March 22. 1897. 

Mr. Cannon has a marked individuality, and combines independence of 
thought and a characteristic self-reliance with a most kindly appreciation of all 
that is meritorious in his fellow-men. 



GEORGE G. SMITH, 



The foremost dry goods merchant of Lakewood, New Jersey, and State Senator 
from Ocean county, was born in Clinton, Worcester county, Massachusetts, 
January 5, 1854. His father, George Prescott Smith, was a native of New 
Hampshire, as was also his mother. Susan Merrlil Greeley, through whom Senator 
Smith is related to the late Horace Greeley, and from whom he gets his middle 
name. 

At thirteen years of age he came to Lakewood, New Jersey, attended Peddie 
Institute at Hightstown, for a time, taking also a course at Eastman's Business 
College. Poughkeepsie, New York, from which he was graduated in 1870. Two 
years thereafter, he spent learning the practical part of the dry goods business, 
at his old home in Clinton, Massachusetts. In 1872 he engaged in the dry 
goods business in Lakewood. He was successful from the start, his enter- 
prise and business tact rapidly advancing his business interests. .\t the pres- 
ent time Senator Smith is at the head of the largest dry goods establishment in 
Ocean county, and one of the largest in that section of the State. The business 
block, rebuilt by him several years ago, contained three of the leading stores of 
the town, besides his own and the Park \'iew House. 



2o8 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

For many years, Senator Smith has taken an active interest in poHtics. act- 
ing with the Republican party. He was elected to the State Assembly in 1884, 
and in 1885, by the largest majority ever received for that ofifice in Ocean 
county. During his first year in the .Assembly he was cliairman of the com- 
mittee on Deaf and Dumb .\fylum, a member of the committee on Fisheries, 
and of Commerce and Xavigation. In 1886 he was chairman of the conuiiittee 
of Riparian Rights, Education, and a member of the committees on Industrial 
Schools and Fisheries. In 1892 he was elected to the Senate by a majority 
surpassing that given to any candidate for that office, up to that time, over the 
most popular opponent the Democratic party had ever nominated. In 1898 he 
was re-elected to the Senate by a still larger majority — one thousand three him- 
dred and forty-nine — the largest majority ever given for any candidate in ( )cean 
county. 

Mr. Smith is at present a member of the board of trustees and chairman of 
the Property Committee of Peddie Institute; vice-president of the Lakewood 
Trust Company; president of the Lakewood Gas Company, and president of the 
Republican Club of Lakewood. His church connections are with the First Bap- 
tist church of Lakewood. 

Mr. Smith was married in early life to Carrie Amelia, daughter of Theodore 
Stevens, of Xew York. They have two children: George X'ivian, and Lilian 
Martina. 



HERBERT GRAY TORREY, 

Metallurgist and United States Government Assayer in Chief for the last twenty- 
five years, was born in Xew York City, C)ctober 12, 1839, the son of Dr. John 
Torrey, Botanist of Columbia College, and Eliza Shaw. 

From ^Villiam Torrey, born in Somersetshire, England, and his brother 
James, who immigrated to Massachusetts in 1632, all the Torreys in the United 
States are descended. 

Herbert Gray Torrey was graduated from the college of the City of Xew 
York in i860, and immediately upon graduation was made Assistant .\ssayer 
in the United States Assay ( )ffice. Upon the death of his father. Dr. John 
Torre}-, in 1873, he was made .\ssayer-in-Chief, an office which he holds to the 
present day. In the meantime ?ilr. Torrey's other connections have been varied 
and important. For a considerable time he was associated with his father in 
the private firm of Torrey & Son, and upon the death of his father the firm was 
changed to Torrey & Eaton, conducting an important business as metallurgists 
and mining experts. During the Civil \\'ar, in 1863, he served as volunteer 
nurse under sanitary commission, volunteering with other young men of the 
period. 

Mr. Torrey has travelled extensively over the United States, Canada and 
Central America, examining mines and mining properties On one occasion 
with his wife, who always accompanied him. he organized and established a 
church in the mining town of Pitkin, Colorado, from which three churches have 
since been built. He established the first district school at Stirling, X. ].. and 




HERBERT G. TOHREY 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 209 

was president of the board of trustees for several years. Mr. Torrey has also 
served by appointment of the Academy of Science as government expert of tex- 
tile fabrics. As e.x-ofificio statuary member of the Assay Commission appointed 
by the President of the United States annually, to meet at the mint in Phila- 
delphia and examine the fineness and weight of the coins reserved by the several 
mints for this purpose, and to each of whom upon the completion of their ex- 
amination a special medal struck at the mint, and appropriate for the occasion, 
is given, Mr. Torre}- holds an unbroken line of twenty-five medals. 

He is a member of the .American Institute of Mining Engineers, also of the 
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and of the hereditary order of the 
New York State Society of Cincinnati, is an elder in the Presliyterian church, 
and a member of P'ranklin Institute of Philadelphia. 

In .\pril, 1868, Mr. Torre_\- was married to Louise, daughter of John G. 
Snow, L'. S. A., and of New York City, who on her mother's side is descended 
from Isaac Alston, a soldier of the Revolution, who served under Washington, 
and on her father's side from Ephraim Snow, an original member of Washing- 
ton's Order of Cincinnati Society. They have had issue, two children, sons, 
John Gray and R. Guyot, both dead, named respectively for Professor .\sa Gray, 
the famous botanist of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and for Professor .\rnold 
Guyot, of Princeton College. 

The elder son, Gray, was born at Palisades, New York, in 1869, died at 
"Hilhop," Stirling, New Jersey, May 27, 1898. The youngest, Guyot, born in 
New York City, May 16, 1879, died at "Hilltop" July 17, 1893. 

Mr. and Mrs. Torrey reside in New York City during the winter, but still 
have a summer residence at "Hilltop," Stirling, New Jersey. 



JOHN G. TRUSDELL, 



Bom in \'ernon, Sussex county. New Jersey, May 22, 1831, is the son 
of Jesse and Christiana Jane Trusdell, and a grandson of Stephen Trusdell, who 
served nearly the whole period of the Revolutionary War, and died upwards of 
one hundred years of age. Jesse, a farmer was born July 13, 1804, always 
lived in Sussex county, and died April 9, 1894. John G. attended the district 
schools of his native county, and also studied under the private tutelage of Rev. 
J. M. Barlow, editor of the Sussex county "Home Journal," at Dcckertown, 
.\'ew Jersey. He began teaching school in the winter of 1845, '^"' meanwhile 
continued his studies and also continued teaching until 1849. when he engaged 
in mercantile business in New York City. He was also connected with other 
enterprises there and in Essex county. .\'ew Jersey, until he entered the law of- 
fice of the late Hon. Charles L. C. Gififord, of Newark. He was admitted to 
the bar at Trenton, in February, 1872, and immediately formed a partnership 
with his legal preceptor under the style of Gifford & Trusdell. wliich cijntinucd 
until Mr. Gififord's death. At the February term, 1875, Mr. Trusdell was ad- 
mitted at Trenton as counselor. 

Mr. Trusdell was elected State .Senator from Essex county in 1863. and 

1 + 



2IO BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

served as such during the sessions of 1864. 1865 and 1866. He has been a 
manager of the Dime Savings Institution of Xewark, ever since that concern 
was chartered, and on April i. 1891. was appointed by the Governor judge of 
the First District Court of that city for five years. He is also Special Mas- 
ter in Chancerv". As attorney and counselor he has had a large general practice 
in all the law and equity courts of this state and United States District Coun of 
Xew Jersey, and throughout a long and eventful career has stood in the front 
rank of his profession. He has been prominently connected with politics, and 
from i860 to 1876 wrote many political articles for newspapers, etc. 

^Ir. Trusdell's brother. Bernard H.. two years younger, was licensed and 
practiced law in tliis State in 1857. but removed to Illinois and followed his pro- 
fession there until 1890. when he retired. Another brother. Abram K. Trtisdell, 
ten years his junior, read law with Bernard in Illinois, was admitted there and 
and for many years has been engaged in active practice in Dixon, Illinois. He 
has three other brothers. Samuel G.. a tea and coffee merchant in Xew York 
City: Warren X.. dealer in commercial paper, stocks, bonds and general securi- 
ties in Xewark. Xew Jersey, and George R.. a dentist, practicing his profession 
at Hancock. Xew York. He has five sisters: Christiana J., widow of Harrison 
DeKay. liiing at Denver. Colorado: Mar\- E., wife of James T. Wisner: Lu- 
cretia. widow of George Brink: Amanda H.. wife of John Sayer. all those living 
at ^^'a^\vick. Orange county. X'ew York, and Florence S.. wife of A\'illiam De- 
Graw. living at Homestead. Hudson county. X'ew Jersey. The subject of this 
sketch being the eldest, and Florence S. the youngest, forty-six years old. and be- 
side these two brothers and one sister died in infancv. 



ALE.XA.NDER HA.MILTON \\ ALLIS, 

Although not a native of the State of Xew Jerse}-. is descended from those who 
have made that State for many years their home His grandfather. Joseph 
W'allis. became a resident of Xew Jersey in the last century, having settled in 
that part of Passaic county, which was then included within the boundaries of 
Essex. He was instrumental in organizing the first Masonic Lodge in the Cit}- 
of Paterson. of which he became the first Master. The father of the subject 
of this sketch. John ^^'allis, although a native of the City of Xew York, be- 
came in early life a resident of Xew Jersey, and about the year 1800 became the 
editor and proprietor of the "Xew Jersey Advertiser and Gazette." a newspaper 
then published in the City of Xewark. He removed to the City of Xew York 
about the year 1808. where his son. Alexander Hamilton Wallis. was bom June 
26. 1819. This son received his education in private schools in the City of Xew 
York, and then entered his father's office, who was a practicing lawyer in that 
city. Admitted to the bar of Xew York in 1840. he continued the successful 
practice of his profession in that city until his death: at first associated with his 
father as J & A. H. W'allis. then with the late George Bradshaw as Wallis 
& Bradshaw: then with Frederick A. Coe as Coe & W'allis. afterwards associ- 
ating with them Luther R. Marsh. Esq.. as Marsh. Coe & W'allis. and after the 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



211 



death of Mr. Coe, associated with Air. Marsh, W'ilham F. Shepard and James 
T. B. Collins, under the firm name of Marsh & Wallis. 

Mr. Wallis early entered the militia of his native state, becoming a member 
of the 8th Company of the 27th Regiment, the original designation of the well- 
known 7th Regiment. He was chosen and commissioned as Second Lieuten- 
ant of that Company, and with his regiment was engaged in putting down the 
Astor Place riot. He resigned his conmiission when he ceased to be a resi- 
dent of the State of New York. 




ALEXANDER HA.MILTd.X WALI.IS. 



In May, 1846, Mr. Wallis removed to Jersey City, where he continued to 
reside until his death, July 22d, 187Q. Shortly after he had become a resident 
of Jersev Citv, he was chosen a member of its board of aldermen, and as chair- 
man of the committee having in charge the obtaining of a water supply for Jer- 
sey City, was largelv instrumental in inaugurating and constructing the water 
works of that citv. He was also chairman of the committee for organizing the 
public school svstem of Jersey City, and in that position organized the present 
public school svstem of the city. He was several times nominated for the of- 
fice of ]Mavor upon the Democratic ticket, but owing to the city, in those days, 



212 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

being overwhelmingly Whig politically, was never elected. \'ery shortly after 
he became a resident of New Jersey, he became actively interested in the Society 
of Odd Fellows, joined Iroquois Lodge. I. O. O. F., in Jersey City, became its 
presiding officer, and, afterwards. Grand Master of the State. Mr. W'allis, al- 
though in his early life a Democrat, had always belonged to the "Free Soil" 
wing of that party, and, when the slavery agitation in the fifties had clearly drawn 
the line between the friends of slavery and its opponents, which resulted in the 
formation of the Republican party, he became an enthusiastic, active and lead- 
ing member of that party. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, he took 
a lively interest in the cause of the I'nion. and devoted his time and means to the 
success of the Union cause, and the enlistment and forwarding of troops from 
the State, and. in conjunction with the late Benjamin G. Clarke, of Jersey City, 
ar.d George A Halsey, of Newark, was largely instrumental in creating and sus- 
taining a strong public sentiment in the northeastern part of the State in favor 
of the Union cause. In the dark days of the rebellion, a society was organized 
known as the Union League, of which Mr. Wallis was made first president, con- 
tinuing in that office during the existence of the society. In the year 1865 he 
was nominated and confirmed as Collector of Internal Revenue for the F"ifth 
District of New Jersey, which office he held for some years, part of the time 
exercising general jurisdiction over all the surrounding territory of the states of 
Xew York and Xew Jersey, which resulted in breaking up the illicit distilleries 
then £o common in that section, and in forcing many of the worst offenders 
against the law out of the business, and, in some cases, out of the country. 
Through his efforts unlawful distilling was for the time being brought to an 
end. In the year 1871 he was again appointed Collector of Internal Revenue 
for the same district, which office he filled for two years. In the year 1864 he 
became one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Jersey City, and a 
member of its board of directors, and in 1872 was elected its president, which 
office he filled until his death. About the year 1864 he organized the Childrens' 
Frinds Society of Jersey City, an institution created to care for, maintain and 
educate poor and friendless children. He became the first president of this in- 
stitution, and continued in this office until his death. On December 22, 1841, 
our subject was united in marriage to Elizabeth Geib. Their issue was as fol- 
lows: Hamilton, Margaret Elizabeth. William T.. Mary Augusta, and Sophie 
Geib Wallis. 



HAMILTON WALLIS. 



The immediate progenitors of Hamilton Wallis. a brief outline of whose life 
follows, were Alexander H. Wallis and Elizabeth (Geib) Wallis, his wife. Mrs. 
Wallis was a descendant, upon her father's side, of John Geib. first builder of 
church organs in the United States, who was a man of some note in New York 
City in 1795. and who is buried in St. Paul's churchyard of that city. Upon 
her mother's side ^Irs. Wallis was a descendant of Thomas Lawrence, of Fish- 
kill. New York. 

Hamilton Wallis was born in New York City. Nov. 2^. 1842. and received 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY, 



213 



his early education in Hasbrouck Institute, Jersey City. He also for a 
time attended the public school in that city. At the close of his 
academic studies he entered Yale University, and was graduated in the class 
of 1863. Having decided upon a legal education, he became a student in Co- 
lumbia Law School, from which he was graduated in 1865. Following his ad- 
mission to the bar, he began the practice of law. After his early residence in 
New York, and one of some years in Jersey City, IMr. W'allis removed to East 
Orange, New Jersey, where, since 1880, he has resided. 




HAMILTON WALL IS. 



He is well-known in social, professional and financial circles, he is a director 
of the First National Bank of Jersey City, and of the People's Gas Light Com- 
pany of the same place. He is also a director of the Hudson County Gas 
Light Company, the Savings Investment and Trust Company, of East Orange. 
In addition to these offices of trust and importance Mr. \\'allis is president of the 
Jersey City Gas Light Company. 

it is needless to speak of the standing of a man who has been called to accept 
so manv. and such various positions, by those who know him best. He is, as 
these multiplied trusts and honors truly prove, a man of vigorous mind, sound 



214 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSJ•A^ 

principles, and great executive ability. He is well known in social life and in 
church work. His name is found upon the rolls of the Down Town Associa- 
tion of New York City, the Lake Hopatcong Club, and the Carteret Club, of 
Jersey City. Fraternally he is a Mason, and held the office of Grand Master of 
Masons in New Jersey from 1879 to 1880. 

Mr. Wallis married, October 13, 1868, Alice, daughter of Nathaniel Wal- 
dron, of Stonington, Conn., and Emeline (Graham) Waldron, of Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania. 

Their children are. Emeline Wallis, Alexander Hamilton \\'allis, Nathaniel 
Waldron Wallis and Clinton Geib Wallis. 



FRANK E. BAKER, M. D. 



Frank E. (2) Baker, scui of Christopher Baker and Mary L. Coddington 
Baker, was born in Orange, Essex county. New Jersey, June 5, 1856. His 
parents were both born hi New Jersey, and for thirty-five years were residents 
of Orange, which place Uas had the honor to send forth many sons and daugh- 
ters whose lives have added fame to the spot of his nativity. Without question 
many of the foremost men of their day, in New Jersey, can trace their ancestry 
back to Orange. The subject of our sketch received in Orange a good educa- 
tion in boyhood, and in later years having chosen as his calling in life, the medical 
profession, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons (Medical Depart- 
ment) of Columbia College, New York City, where he was graduated with honor 
in 1882. After graduation he continued to reside in his native place, until Au- 
gust of 1895, at which time he accepted the position tendered him of superinten- 
dent of the Newark City Hospital. In that important position his services were 
always for the highest good of the institution, and the best welfare of its in- 
mates. 

Dr. Baker has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the day. He 
is well known in political life and is a charter member of the County Republi- 
can Society. For three years he was in the Internal Revenue service. It is 
unnecessary to say that to every position he holds, or has held, he has brought 
able service and conscientious interest, and has, therefore, won for himself 
praise and distinction by his faithful work in his various positions. 

In his church connection Dr. Baker is a Methodist. If, because of his 
professional and political duties, he has not given his name to the many social 
and other societies and clubs, to which his many associates belong, it is not that 
he is opposed to their bodies, or is lacking in social interests and fraternal feel- 
ings. He waits, perhaps, until the pressure of life is not so great, giving in the 
meantime such attention and service as he can to the Masonic Order of which he 
is a member. 

Dr. Baker married Mary E. W'hiting, daughter of Edwin B. and Louisa 
(Dobbs) Whiting, who were born in Connecticut. 

Of the name of Baker, it may be said that it appears both in the English and 
Scottish biographical authorities, in both of which it is, also, traced to a very 
early period in the history of sur-names. The same is true of the name of 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 



215 





1 


^^H'*j^" 




^^H '^ 


ii 


^^^^^^^H'^' 


- 


^^^^^^^^L X. 


<^^ 




J 



FRANK E. BAKER, M. D. 

Dobbs and of Whiting. While these are interesting facts and not to be disre- 
garded, it is the glory of any name, whether of remote or recent origin, that 
its present and undivided bearer makes it one of honor, won by himself, rather 
than of honor inherited. The record of Dr. Frank E. Baker is open to his 
fellow-men, and to his honor thev read it. 



WILLIAM H. B. BRYAN 

Was born July 31st, 1854. at Mays Landing, New Jersey. His father, grand- 
father and great-grandfather were associated with the history of the town of 
Pemberton, New Jersey, in which place his great-grandfather settled in 1770, and 
where his grandfather and father were born. The Rev. James R. Bryan, father 
of the subject of our sketch, a clergyman well known and popular throughout the 
State, could not. bv reason of his profession, lead the quieter life of his immediate 
ancestors, but, as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, was called from 
place to place; his son had, therefore, large opjiortunity for the study of man. 



2l6 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



through these frequent changes of residence and surroimdings. Mr. Bryan 
received his early education in the pubHc schools of Jersey City and Newark, 
attending later the Schooley's Mountain Seminary. His mind turned towards 
mercantile pursuits, and. in 1870, he entered the wholesale dry. goods house of 
H. B. Claflin & Co., where, for two years he remained as assistant bookkeeper, 
when he accepted a position in the National Park Bank of New York City. For 
almost eighteen years Mr. Bryan remained with this institution, leaving it only 
to take the position of cashier of the People's Bank of East Orange, New Jer- 
sey, to which he was called when that corporation was organized. In June of 
1892 he was called to the United States Bank in New York, of which he became 




will l.\M I!. P.. nUVAX. 



teller. Later he was greatly interested in the forn^Eticn of the East Orange 
National Piank. and wa.-i actively instrumental in its organization, this interest, 
together with his well known reputation as a financier, caused the directors of 
the newly-established bank to feel that the position of cashier could be placed 
in no other hands as judiciously as in those of ^'r. Bryan, who accepted the 
honor and trust thi^s confided to him. which he has since held. 
During this period the bank has met with wonderfv.l success, in spite of the fact 
that these years cover ore of the worst financial perxd? through which the coun- 
trv has ever passed. The inftitrticn has accvmilrt^d a large surplus, built a 
magnificent banking house at a cost of sixty thousand dollars, and has made 
itself felt as a power in the financial wo: Id. Nc small part of this success is 
due to the fidclitv and ability cf }.Ir. Bryan. .\ spotless record, covering a 




C/^^2^^ yr^f7^:=^ 



L'.ruGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 217 

period of twenty-eight years of active connection with financial interests and 
trusts, is one justly entitling a man to the respect and confidence of his fellows. 
Mr. Bryan has repeatedly received evidence of great respect and confidence. 
During his residence in East Orange, as elsewhere, the subject of our sketch 
has always identified himself with the best interests of the community. He is a mem- 
ber of the East Orange Improvement Society, a director of the East Orange Build- 
ing and Loan Association, and belongs to the Republican Club of East Orange, 
the Ancient Order of Workmen and the Royal Arcanum. His church con- 
nection is that of the Calvary M. E. church, of whose official Board he is a mem- 
her. Mr. Bryan married Mary Augusta Hallock, of Plainfield, N. J., and has 
two daughters, \'. Louise, born July 17th, 1880, and May Hallock, born Febru- 
ary 14th, 1883. 



CHARLES K. WAGNER, M. D., 

Youngest child of Frederick and Esther (Bell) Wagner, was born in Easton, 
Northampton county, Pennsylvania, June 12, 1823, and died at his home in 
Newark, New Jersey, August ist, 1898. 

Dr. Wagner's grandfather, George Frederick Wagner, came to America in 
early manhood, and was for a time interested in commercial life in Easton, North- 
ampton county. Pa. He was one of the prominent men of the borough 
and a man of literary tastes and attainments. 

His name is among those of the patriotic men who went from Easton to 
take part in the War of 181 2. His son, Frederick, the father of Dr. Charles 
K. Wagner, (a brief outline of whose life follows) was born in Easton, Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1783, and died in the town of his birth in 1854. As his father had been 
before him, so Mr. Wagner was, also a man of standing among his fellows. He 
owned, and himself gave attention to the working of large and valuable stone 
quarries in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, in which county the town of 
Easton lies. The family of Wagner is an ancient one, tracing its origin back 
to the sturdv Protestant stock, who gave so much trouble to the church of Rome 
during the many vicissitudes attending the early history of the then old French 
city of Strasbourg, capital town of Alsaco. Of the family of Kuhn, of which 
Dr. Wagoner's grandmother was a member, and from which the Doctor re- 
ceived his middle name, in the person of its founder, received the name of Kuhn 
in the olden time of feud and warfare, which was bestowed upon some hero of 
his day and generation for particular prowess. Of the life of Doctor Charles 
' Kuhn Wagner we consider the significant facts, rather than enter into a detailed 
review, which, all who knew him, must feel would be of all things distasteful 
to him who so thoroughly disliked display. The data concerning his descent, 
place and date of birth, etc., is already given. We take up the outline of his 
life at the time of his graduation from Lafayette College, the qualification for 
which he received, at first, under the tuition of that well-known scholar. Rev. 
John \'anderveer. D. D., and later, at a preparatory college in New Jersey. 
Graduated lay Lafayette College in 1842, he became at once a student in the 
•office of Edward Swift. M. D., one of the leading physicians of Easton. Under 



2i8 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Dr. Swift he was prepared for entrance to the medical school of the University 
of Pennsylvania, from which he received his degree in 1848. It was impossible 
for Dr. Wagner at once, to establish himself in the pnrsuit of his profession, 
owing to the fact that his father. Air. Frederick Wagner, to whose extensive 
stone quarries we have already alluded, was beginning to feel the need of the as- 
sistance of his son in the superintendence of the continually enlarging opera- 
tions of the quarries and in the management of their correspondingly increased 
financial affairs. Duty and affection alike, led the young physician to aban- 
don, for at least a time, his chosen profession. 

It is true, indeed, that he was often obliged to render dual labor in his new 
field of occupation, and add to that of business and financial manager of an ex- 
tensive concern, that of physician and helper, to the many ill and suffering, both 
among the workmen of the quarries and in their families. Thus he became the 
"beloved physician" to scores of his men, who always found in him the kind em- 
ployer and the tender friend. Without money and without price he attended, 
for many years, to the ill and injured. This ministry to the relief of suffering, 
these hours of devotion given by Dr. \\'agner to scientific and literary research, 
were undoubtedly of greater satisfaction to a man of his taste and inclination 
than could be attention to business pursuits alone. His was the happy faculty 
of attending strictly to the detail of whatsoever avocation had claim upon him, for 
the time being. He was, not- only a man of polished external, but of truest, nat- 
ural refinement, a man of culture, a lover of nature, of art, and above all, a lover 
of all that was highest and best in the serving of God and humanity. Although 
in disposition, retiring rather than otherwise. Dr. Wagner was a true friend, a 
kind and courteous neighbor, and a good citizen. Never desiring political pref- 
erment, he was yet always interested in the best good of the conmumity, and 
the highest welfare of the county and his fellow man. He was a steadfast be- 
liever in education, and all that tended to the uplifting of humanity. A year after 
the death of his father. Dr. Wagner, withdrawing from the Easton and Northamp- 
ton county interests, went to New York City, intending to make mercantile invest- 
ments in that city. While considering the subject liefore making other per- 
manent arrangement, his name was sought in partnership in a leading house, of 
which he became at once a member of the firm. Dr. Wagner retired in 1889 
from active business in the firm of Reynolds & Wagner, although he continued 
to hold through life a financial interest in the house which so long bore his 
name. 

Dr. Wagner married Elizabeth, daughter of Josiah Gallon and Susan 
Haines (Price), who was a direct descendant of John Ogden through her grand-' 
mother Abigail (Ogden) Price. The ancestors of Mrs. \\'agner were among 
the first settlers of Elizabethtown in 1665. Their names can be found in the 
early colonial records of Long Island in 1639, and later as Original Proprietors 
of the Hamptons in 1648. 

The Ogdens, Prices and Haines, from whom Mrs. Wagner is descended, are 
known as among the heroes of the Revolution, and the men who gave to the 
State much of its early strength and importance as its history shows. 

Dr. and Mrs. Wagner had one child, Ida P>ell, who married James Suydani 
Polhemus, son of Rev. Abraham Polhemus, D. D., deceased, a clergyman of 
distinction in the Reformed Church of America. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. jig 

The children of Mr. and .Mrs. James Suydani Polhenuis are Louise Ehza- 
beth and Frederick Suvdam. 



HON. JOHN B. VREELAND. 

The Vreelands in America are descendants from four brothers who came 
from Holland and settled here very early in the history of our republic. The 
name was formerly spelled \>eelandt, but the t has been eliminated for many 
years. George \V. \'reeland, the father of our subject, was born in Passaic 
county, New Jersey, on the 22d of February, 1820, and was reared in farming 
pursuits, but subsequently moved to Newark, and there engaged in mercantile 
business until May. 1868, when he went to Morristown and continued in the same 
line of enterprise. The latter part of his life has been spent in retirement, and 
now at the venerable age of seventy-nine years, he is enjoying the respect of a 
wide circle of acquaintances. Ife married Miss Sarah M. Smith, who was a na- 
tive of Passaic county, her ancestors, who were of English origin, having set- 
tled in Orange county, New York. She departed this life in Newark, at the 
age of thirty-nine, leaving three children, Mary E , who married James O. Hal- 
sey; Isaac S. and John B. Mr. Vreeland again married, his second union be- 
ing to ]\Iiss Harriet N. Faitoute. 

John Bea^n \'reeland was born in the City of Newark, New Jersey, on the 
30th of December, 1852, and there received a fair education in the public schools. 
When he attained the age of fifteen years his parents moved to Alorristown, and 
young Vreeland became associated with his father in business, and remained with 
him until nineteen years old, when his early-acquired fondness for books and 
study, led him to take up the reading of law, and so closely did he apply himself 
that he was admitted to the bar at the November (1875) term of the Supreme 
Court of New Jersey, and in the June term of 1879 he was made a counselor-at- 
law. From November, 1875, to July, 1876, he was deputy county clerk for his 
county, resigning that position in order to form a partnership with E. .\. Quayle, 
with whom he was associated in the practice of law until 1879, since which time 
he has pursued his calling alone, and he has attained a distinct prestige as a legal 
practitioner. He has risen to his present prominence in the profession by rea- 
son of a high order of ability, through honesty and fidelity to the interests of his 
clients, and a zeal and earnestness of purpose that could admit of but one logical 
result — success. A close student of human nature and possessed of keen per- 
ceptive powers, and keeping well informed on all the leading issues of the day, 
he has acquired a thorough knowledge of the law as well as distinction as an 
attorney, and possesses an inexhaustible fund of information on general subjects 
as well. In the early part of the year i8g8 he was appointed by the acting Gov- 
ernor of the State, Hon. Foster M. Voorhees, to the office of president judge 
of the several courts of Morris county, for a term of five years, dating from 
April, 1898. 

Mr. \'reeland has always been active as a supporter of the Republican 
party, and before Morristown became a separate political body from that of the 
township, he served for three vears as township clerk. In 1895 his party nomi- 



220 



BIUGRAPHILAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



nated him for the office of State Senator, to which he was elected by a plurality 
of fifteen hundred and twentv-six votes, and as Morris county is considered a 
close county from a political standpoint, the plurality received by Senator \ ree- 
land was the most conclusive evidence of his popularity. While 'ftl;^, Senate 
he introduced the bill known as "the school teachers' retirement-fund bill, which 
became a law in i8y6. besides which he introduced many others, but the one 
mentioned was considered the most important, and was generally accepted as one 
of great value and merit. During the last two years of his service in the Senate 
he served on several committees, the more important being that on tlie Revision 
of Laws, and he was also chairman of the joint committee on State Hospitals for 
the Insane. Senator \-reeland is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens, 
and possessed of a laudable disposition to render the most good possible, he is 
capable of giving valuable service in any position to which he may aspire, an.l 
thus return the good will and warm regard of his constituents. . , , , 
^ Senator \-r"eeland is a deacon in the South Street Presbyterian church of 
Alorristown. of which he is a liberal supporter, and in many other ways he has 
given evidence of his deep interest and concern in the moral, political and edu- 
cational advancement of his community. 

The f^rst marriage of Senator \'reeland was solemnized m 187b, when Ida 
\ Piotrowski became his wife. She was summoned to her eternal rest in 
1896. leaving two daughters-. Eda A. and X'era E. The Senator afterward mar- 
ried :Miss I(ia King Smith, his present wife. « 



WILLIAM B. KINNEY. 



None can denv that there is all of wisdom in the statement of Sumner, that 
'The true -randeur of nations is in those qualities which constitute the true 
greatness of the individual.- Each state presents with pride her sons as her 
jewels She has nursed among her children those who have become illustrious 
in religion, in law. in oratory, in statesmanship and in intimate associations with 
the great productive industries of the world. The subject of this memoir stood 
distinctlv forth as one of the representative men of New Jersey, and in his life- 
time the people of his state, recognizing his merit, rejoiced in his advancement 
and in the honors he attained, and since his death they have cherished his mem- 

°'^'lt is an important public duty to honor and perpetuate, as far as possible, 
the memory of an eminent citizen.-one who by his blameless and honorable life 
and distinguished career reflected credit not only upon his city and state, but also 
upon the whole nation. Through such memorials as these at hand the mdivid- 
ual and the character of his services are kept in remembrance, and the rniport- 
ance of those services acknowledged. His example, in whatever field his work 
mav have been done, thus stands as an object lesson to those who come after 
him and long after all recollection of his personality shall have faded from the 
minds of men. the less perishable record may tell the story of his life and com- 
mend his example for imitation. „ ,.. , , 
A native son of the State of New Jersey, William B. Kinney was born at 



BI(3GRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 221 

Speedwell. Morris county, on the 4th of September, 1799, his lineage being of 
illustrious order on either side. His ancestors were numbered among the early 
settkrs of the State, gave loyal and patriotic representatives to the Continental 
army in the great struggle for independence, and have contributed in each gen- 
t ration men prominent in public affairs and distinguished in the various paths of 
life. The ather of the subject of this memoir was a son of Sir Thomas Kinney. 
an English baronet, upon whom was conferred the order of knighthood by reason 
of his scientific attainments and high scholarship. He was particularly con- 
spicuous for his researches in the science of mineralogy, and prior to the Rev- 
olution he visited the United States for the purpose of examining the mineral re- 
sources of the State of Xew Jersey. This visit led to his taking up his per- 
marent abode here. He located in Morris county, within whose limits the 
present county of Sussex was then included, and finding there a fruitful field for 
operation in his line, he made it his home. He eventually received from the 
crown the appointment as High SherifT, retaining this incumbency until the 
Revolution, when he espoused the cause of the colonies and renounced his alleg- 
iance to the crown. The mother of William B. Kinney was Hannah, the daugh- 
ter of Dr. William Burnet, who descended from distinguished Scotch ancestry, 
and graduated at the College of New Jersey in 1749. The Doctor, from whom 
]Mr. Kinney received his Christian name, was prominently identified with the 
history of New Jersey and held rank as one of the distinguished physicians of 
Newark, was chairman of the Conmiittee of Safety, a member of the Continental 
Congress and Surgeon-General in the army of the Revolution till the close of the 
war. 

Imbued with the most stalwart patriotism, the ancestors of our subject, in 
both the paternal and maternal lines, did valiant service for the colonies in the 
\^'ar of the Revolution, and that loyalty has ever since been an inherent charac- 
teristic. The father, Abraham Kinney, was an officer in the Revolutionary 
army, and an active participant in the War of 1812, holding official commission. 
His only brother, Thomas T. Kinney, Sr., was a lawyer of great abiht\-. He 
was Surrogate of Essex county and a member of the Legislature in 18 17. 

While yet a boy \\'illiam B. Kinney came into personal touch with the 
duties of the loyal son of the Republic, having done service as a bearer of dis- 
patches during the progress of the War of 1812, and, as it was the wish of his 
honored father that he should become permanently identified with the military 
forces of the nation, he was admitted as a cadet at West Point. Circumstances, 
however, withdrew him from a field of endeavor in which he would have un- 
doubtedly attained a measure of distinction, but which would not, in all prob- 
ability, have enabled him to realize his full potentiality, or the plentitude of pow- 
er which made him so useful a member of society and so important a factor in 
the public affairs of the nation. His father died soon after the son's admission 
to West Point, and his mother, a woman of great force of character, and of 
marked discernment, believing that his talents as an orator and writer, — even 
then strongly manifest — would insure him greater success and wider scope of 
action in some other field of endeavor, withdrew him from the military academv 
and placed him in the care of ?ilr. \\'helply, author of "The Triangle," and father 
of the late Chief Justice Whelply. Under this able preceptor he made rapid 
progress, and subsequently became a pupil of that eminent classical scholar. 



222 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Rev. John Ford. D. D.. the founder of the old Bloomfield Academy, a collegiate 
institution of high reputation in its day. He subsequently entered upon the 
study of law in his brother's office, and later continued his work in this line 
with Mr. Hornblower (his cousin by marriage), who was subsequently Chief 
Justice of the State. 

With a distinct predilection for literary and metaphysical study and re- 
search, it was but a natural sec|uence that Mr. Kinney should ultimately withdraw 
from the legal field and turn his attention to the sphere where he realized that 
his ma-\imuni powers for accomplishment lay. In the latter part of the year 
1820, he assumed the editorial charge of the New Jersey "Eagle," a weekly paper 
published in the City of Newark, and this position he retained until 1825, when 
he went to Xew York for the purpose of continuing his favorite studies. In the 
national metropolis he was very prominently identified with the establishment of 
the Mercantile Library, of which he was chosen librarian. Incidentally he be- 
came very closely associated with the Harper Brothers, who had but recently 
given inception to that publishing business which has grown to be one of the 
most magnificent in the world. He figured as their friend and confidential ad- 
viser, and they had very frequent recourse to his able judgment and discriminat- 
ing taste in selecting books for publication. A mind of peculiar receptivity, 
broad scope and strong analytical and logical power was his. and about this time 
he became deeply interested in the theological and ps\chical discussions of the 
day. and the intensity of his nature was such that he gave himself so closely to 
study that his health was undermined, rendering it necessary for him to abate 
temporarily, his unceasing application. With a view to recuperating his ener- 
gies, and with, undoubtedly, an inclination to resume his labors in the editorial 
field, which once entered ever allures, he returned to Newark, and, in 1833, was 
prevailed upon to assvnne the management of the "Daily Advertiser." which was 
the first, and at that time the only daily paper in the State. With this he 
consolidated the "Sentinel of Freedom," a weekly paper which had been estab- 
lished in 1796, and continuously published through the long intervening term of 
years. It has been said that to this journal Mr. Kinney "gave a literary tone so 
high that his criticisms had more infiuence on the opinions of literary men than 
those of any other journalist of the time." He had so distinguished himself in 
the field of journalism and belles lettres that in 1836 the honorary degree of ]\Ias- 
ter of Arts was conferred upon him by the College of New Jersey, at Princeton, 
and in 1840 he was elected a trustee of that institution. \\"ithin the same year 
he was honored in being elected a presidential delegate to the national conven- 
tion at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which nominated General \\'illiam H. Harri- 
son for the chief executive office, but he declined to attenil. In 1844 he was 
again chosen as a delegate-at-large, as associate of the late Chancellor Green, to 
the Whig convention, at Baltimore, and on this occasion he so employed his 
persuasive eloquence and masterly intellectuality as to be largely instrumental 
in securing the nomination of his friend, the honored statesman and illustrious 
son of New Jersey, the late Theodore Frelinghuysen. as candidate for \'ice-Pres- 
dent with Mr. Clay. While undoubtedly he was not without that honorable am- 
bition which is so powerful and useful an incentive to activity in public affairs, 
he regarded the pursuits of private life as abundantly worthy cif his best efforts, 
and he was ever ready to subordinate personal ambition to public good, and 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 223 

sought rather the benefit of others than personal aggrandizement. He was in 
no sense a seeker for public preferment, 1nit such a man could scarcely avoid the 
summons to positions of public trust and responsibilit\-. In 1843 he very re- 
luctantly accepted the nomination for Congress from the Whig convention of the 
fifth district of New Jersey, having been finally prevailed upon to believe that 
fealty and political duty demanded his acceptance. At the ensuing election 
the Democrats effected a fusion with the Independent Whig faction, and after 
a very spirited contest the candidate of the latter was victorious at the polls. 

Still further honors were to be tendered to Mr. Kinney. In 185 1 he was ap- 
pointed United States minister to Sardina, and on the eve of his departure to 
assume his new diplomatic office he was tendered a farewell banquet which was 
an event of distinguished order, the leading men of all political parties partici- 
pating and doing honor to one whose ability and sterling manhood could not but 
appeal to them. Chief Justice Hornblower presided, and among the speakers 
were Rev. Dr. S. I. Prime, of New York, and many others distinguished in 
church and state. As touching his official service we cannot, perhaps, do bet- 
ter at this juncture than to quote from a sketch of his life published in the His- 
tory of Esse.x and Hudson counties. New Jeresy, in 1884: 

"His reception at Turin, the capital of Sardina, was warm, and he soon be- 
came a favorite in the court circle, which was just then engaged in settling the 
details of a constitutional government. Count Cavour and other master minds 
of that kingdom, were in constant consultation with Mr. Kinney in reference 
to the practical working of our Republican system, and his influence was strongly 
apparent in the establishment of the liberal institutions of Italy. He also ren- 
dered signal services to the government of Great Britain in transacting some 
important diplomatic business for which Mr. Kinney received a handsome official 
acknowledgment in a special dispatch from Lord Palnierston. 

"Through Mr. Kinney's instrumentality while in Turin, the Waldenses re- 
ceived great encouragement and sustaining aid. But the most important, per- 
haps, of Mr. Kinney's services to his country w'as in connection with Kossuth, 
the Hungarian exile, then at Constantinople. The government of the L^nited 
States had offered to transport him to America in a national ship, detached from 
the Mediterranean squadron at Spezzia, which was in the Sardinian dominions 
and subject to Mr. Kinney's supervision. He was thus enabled to give prompt 
instructions to the commander and information to his own government of the 
objects of the distinguished fugitive Mr. Webster, at that time Secretary of 
State, being forewarned by Mr. Kinney's correspondence, thwarted Kossuth's 
philanthropic but impracticable efforts to enlist the United States in a foreign 
complication. 

"Upon the expiration of his term of office the Sardinian ministry offered to 
unite in a request to the L^iited States government to allow him to remain in 
Turin, but he preferred to remove to Florence, where he could join the society 
of the Brownings, the Trollopes, Hiram Powers and other distinguished men, 
who were his warm personal friends. During his residence in the latter city 
he became interested in the romantic history of the Medici family, and the new 
information concerning them which his position enabled him to acquire, induced 
him to begin a historical work on the subject which promised to be of great im- 
portance, but which he never completed." 



224 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

The War of the Rebellion was about drawing to a close at the time when 
-Mr. Kinney returned with his family to his home in \ew Jersey, where he thence- 
forth lived in ]iractical retirement until the hour when death released the silver 
cord of life and the mortal essence of a truly noble man was merged into im- 
mortality. His latter days were attended with severe suffering, which he bore 
with unflinching fortitude, sustained by that faith which makes faithful even 
to the end. His death occurred on the 21st of October, 1880, and the com- 
munity was called upon to mourn the loss of a helpftil friend, the state of one 
of her mo5t eminent citizens, and the nation of an honored statesman and true 
I)ati iot. 

. Ir. Kinney was twice married. His first wife was ]Mary Chandler, of Eliz- 
abeth, New Jersey, who died in 1841, leaving one son, Thomas T. Kinney, to 
whom individual reference is made in the following pages and to whom the pro- 
prietorship of the "Daily Advertiser" was transferred some years before the death 
of his father. Mr. Kinney's second marriage was to the only surviving sister of 
the late Hon. William E Dodge, of New York, and they became the parents of 
two daughters, one of whom became the wife of \\'illiam I. Kip, son of Bishop 
Kip, of California; and the other of Nelson S. Easton, of New York. 

The one attribute which most perfectly, perhaps, expresses the character of 
the honored subject of this memoir was his faithfulness. He was faithful to 
every interest committed to his charge, faithful in all the relations of life. What- 
soever his hand found to do he did with all his might, and with a deep sense of 
conscientious obligation. 



THOMAS T. KINNEY. 

In this age of colossal enterprise and marked intellectual energy, the prom- 
inent and successful men are those whose abilities, persistence and covirage lead 
them into large undertakings and to assume the res])onsibilities and labors of 
leaders in their respective vocations. Success is methodical and consecutive, 
and however much we may indulge in fantastic theorizing as to its elements and 
causation in any isolated instance, yet in the light of sober investigation we find 
it to be but the result of the determined application of one's abilities and pow- 
ers along the rigidly defined line of labor. America owes much of her progress 
and advancement to a position foremost among the nations of the world, to her 
newspapers and in no line has the incidental broadening out of the sphere of 
usefulness been more marked than in this same line of journalism. In the news- 
paper field have been enlisted men of broad mental grasp, cosmopolitan ideas 
and notable business sagacity. Prominent among the men who have given the 
State of New Jersey prestige in this direction must be placed Thomas T. Kinney, 
the subject of this review^ His identification with the "art preservative of all 
arts" is one of both inheritance and personal predilection : and though he had 
prepared himself for a profession of a different order, his natural vehicle of ex- 
pression has ever been the pen, and the versatility of his faculties sought the 
most natural outlet in journalism. 

Thomas T. Kinnev. the onlv son of \\'illiam B. and Marv (Chandler! Kin- 



UIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.. 225 

ney, the former of whom is the subject of the memoir just preceding, was horn 
in the City of Newark. Doubly fortified by the environments of a home of dis- 
tinct cukure and refinement, his prehminary educational training began in the old 
Newark Academy, which was located on the site of the present fine government 
building, corner of Broad and Academy streets. He thereafter continued his 
classical studies under that able preceptor, Rev. William R. Weeks, D. D., and 
under such direction prepared himself for matriculation in the College of New 
Jersey, at Princeton, at which institution he graduated in 1841. The faculty 
then included the scholarly president, the late Dr. Carnahan, and such other 
distinguished educators as Drs. James W. Alexander, Albert B. Dod and Joseph 
Henry, all of whom have passed away. Mr. Kinney early manifested a pen- 
chant for natural science, and his earnestness and devotion to this line of study 
and investigation attracted to him the attention of Professor Joseph Henry, who 
selected him for his assistant through his senior year, — the intimacy thus formed 
having its aftermath in a friendship which continued inviolate until the death 
of the Professor. Air. Kinney eventually received from his alma mater the de- 
gree of Master of Arts, while in the interim he had taken up the study of law 
in the office of Hon. Joseph P. Bradley, late associate justice of the United 
States Supreme Court. He was admitted to the bar in 1844, but never entered! 
upon the active practice of the profession for which he had thus fitted himself. 

In the year 1851 the father of our subject was appointed United States Min- 
ister to Sardinia, and upon the son devolvel the cares and responsibilities of 
managing the private and business afifairs of the former. He thus came forth- 
with into that field of labor in which he has won both distinction and success, — 
that of journalism. When Mr. Kinney became the managerial head of the 
Newark "Daily Advertiser," the telegraphic service was practically in its 
infancy. The mail and rail\\a\- service was crude and inadequate, 
and local facilities circumscribed. In those days he watched every department 
of his paper with a scrutiny that never relaxed, introducing improved machinery 
and business methods, expanding the province of his paper and making it na- 
tional in tone while local in color. He was prominently concerned in the in- 
auguration of that system of news gathering which gave inception to that com- 
prehensive and effective vehicle of transferring information from all parts of 
the globe, the Associated Press. He eventually became the sole editor and 
(proprietor of the Newark "Daily Advertiser." The pages of his paper from the 
l)eginning expressed his individuality, and through his well-trained assistants, 
who subordinated themselves in both thought and expression, to his dictates, the 
paper presented daily the ultimate of intellectual and literary force. In the 
qualities of simplicitv without vulgarity, force without excitement, precision with- 
out rigidity, the editorial page of the "Advertiser" was a model. 

1 hough almost perforce identified intimately with the local, finan- 
cial, industrial and political movements of the time, .Mr. Kinney never 
consented to accept an\' political office, having twice declined ofTers from the 
national administrations to two important foreign missions. He was one of the 
projectors of the Newark Board of Trade, and was its delegate to the conven- 
tion which organized the National Board in Philadelphia. He was one of the 
organisers of the Society for the Preventitjn of Cruelty to .-Xnimals. has main- 
15 



226 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

tained a deep interest in its work, and was its president for a long term of 
years. He is also a member of the State Boards of Geology and Agrictilture; 
of the latter he was president from 1878 to 1882. When the Legislature auth- 
orized the conversion of the Soldiers' Children's Home at Trenton, into an asy- 
lum tor indigent deaf antl dumb children, he was appointed one of its original 
trustees, and so remained till the institution was placed under the board of 
education. 

.A. stalwart Republican in his political proclivities, Mr. Kinney has labored 
zealously for the cause. In i860 he was a delegate to the national convention 
at Chicago, and was one of the most uncompromising and indefatigable advo- 
cates of nominating Abraham Lincoln for the Presidency, his influence in that 
ever memorable convention being unmistakable. Mr. Kinney is identified with 
various financial industrial and social enterprises of importance. Among these 
is the Fidelity Trust Company, of which he long served as president. He is 
president of the National State Bank, and of the City Ice Company, a director 
of the Electric Light and Power Company, the Stevens & Condit Transportation 
Company and the Xavesink Park Company, on Sandy Hook Bay. He is also 
a member of the Board of East Jersey Proprietors, a life member of the New Jer- 
sey Historical Society and a hereditary member of the Society of the Cincinnati 
in the State of New Jersey. 

During his journalistic career Mr. Kinney maintained a close personal su- 
pervision over the fine newspaper property which he controlletl for so long a 
term of years. It has been well said of him, as touching his attitude toward the 
"Advertiser," that "He was not only its proprietor, but its chief editor, scrutiniz- 
ing everything of importance that appeared in its columns, and by his directions, 
as well as by his pen. maintaining the high character which it previously pos- 
sessed while under the control of his distinguished father." 

In 1892 he made an extended tour abroad, and in the following year retired 
from the arduous duties of journalism and has since been able to indulge his 
proclivities for the liberal arts, literature and science. — of which last he has 
ever been a devotee. A man of strong and distinct individuality and broad in- 
tellectuality, Mr. Kinney has fully upheld the untarnished escutcheon so honored 
by his noble father, one of New Jersey's distinguished sons. 



FREDERICK NISHWITZ. 



The gratitude of the agricultural world is certainly due this gentleman, who 
has given to the farming industry some of the most useful inventions that have 
ever promoted its interests. As the result of his persevering efforts and in ac- 
cord with the spirit of progress of the present age, he has attained a pre-eminent 
position as an inventor that has excited the admiration of the entire country, 
nor is his fame limited by the confines of America. Deep thought, earnest 
study, careful investigation and wide research and experiment have enabled him 
to bring forth many useful devices that have largely revolutionized the work of 
the farm. Discouragement met him on every side, attempts were made to take 




y 



•- /^/Jyn ' y^ ' 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 227 

his inventions from him, but in the face of great difficulties he has persevered, and 
to-day, in one of New Jersey's Ijeautiful homes, located at Millington, he is en- 
joying- the fruit of his former toil, surrounded by the comforts and luxuries 
brought to him by the wealth that has resulted from his own labors. 

Mr. Nishwitz is a native of Germany, and in 1840, when eleven years of age, 
came with his parents to America, locating on Long Hill, in Passaic township, 
Morris county, where the father, Peter Nishwitz, made his home until his death 
in 1872. He followed farming and was a very industrious and energetic man, 
of sound judgment and sterling worth. His political support was given the 
democracy. His wife was called to her final rest in 1865. They were the 
parents of five children, Dorothy, deceased wife of Charles Hofifman, Catherine, 
deceased wife of William Wurster and mother of F. W. Wurster, who was Mayor 
of Brooklyn; when it became a part of "Greater" New York; Frederick, Jacob, 
who has also departed this life, and Margaret, wife of J. H. Schmidt, of Madi- 
son, New Jersey. 

The early boyhood of him whose name introduces this review was spent on 
his father's farm, and in the summer months he assisted in the cultivation of the 
fields and the harvesting of crops, while in the winter season he familiarized him- 
self with the English branches taught in the public schools. During this time 
he gave thoughtful attention to the working of the machinery used in the opera- 
tion of the farm. It was soon seen that his tastes and talent lay in the direction 
of mechanics, and when fifteen years of age he was apprenticed for a six-years- 
term to John Hubbs, a manufacturer of agricultural implements in New York. 
He displayed such aptness in mastering the duties assigned to him, and so 
rapidly acquired a knowledge of the workings of machinery, that when nineteen 
years of age — two years before the expiration of his apprenticeship — he was ad- 
mitted to a partnership in the business, and the following year his employer sold 
out to him. He conducted this industry with good success for a number of 
vears, manufacturing several kinds of agricultural implements, but sold out in 
'1870. 

In the meantime he had begun his important work of invention and entered 
upon a career that has brought him wealth and renown, and at the same time has 
been of lasting benefit to those who devote their energies to agricultural pursuits. 
In 1853 ^^ invented a harvester, and from that time until 1880 he took out many 
patents on improvements for reapers and mowers. The present style of two- 
wheeled reapers was originated by him and was sold to Walter A. Wood. In 
1858 he invented the first disk harrow, and later made many improvements on 
this. He met with much difficulty and great discouragement in placing this on 
the market, and it was not until 1866 that it really came into popular favor, when 
its merits were called to the public attention by the agricultural reports of the 
I'nited States, and by Mr. Robinson of the New York "Tribune," who recog- 
nized its superior worth and encouraged Mr. Nishwitz to persevere, assuring 
him that success would ultimately crown his efforts. This prediction proved 
correct, and the disk harrow is now used almost exclusively in the West. Dur- 
ing all this time Mr. Nishwitz carried on his manufacturing business, but in 1870 
be disposed of it, and having acipiired a handsome competence came to Milling- 
ton, where he purchased a large tract of land and erected a beautiful summer 
home. 



228 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

He has had to contest his right to many of his patents in the courts, unscrv 
pulous men attempting to take them from him, but he triumplied over his advei 
saries and has reaped the golden reward of his labors. He sold many of his patent 
at a good profit and determined to retire from active business, but indolenc 
and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature, and after locating in Millington h 
began to think of new fields toward which he might direct his energies. Ac 
cordingly he brought out and patented the .Acme harrow, which he had invente 
in 1879, and is now e.xtensively engaged in its manufacture, having a large plar 
in Millington, which furnishes employment to one hundred and twenty-fiv 
men. This harrow is known throughout the world, one hundred and twent\ 
five thousand having been sold The entire sales are under the supervision c 
D. H. Xash, a very prominent and capable business man, and Mr. Xishwitz ha 
little of the active management of the business. He has also invented hay fork 
and many other useful implements, and his inventions are used extensivel 
throughout the West, where they have been of great practical benefit to the fai 
mer as time and labor-saving machines, thereby enabling the farmer to handl 
and cultivate more land, and in consequence raise greater crops, which materiall 
advances his profits. In connection with his other interests Air. Nishwitz is 
heavy stockholder in, and a member of the directorate of the National Iron Ban 
of }iIorristown. 

In his political views Mr. Xishwitz is a Republican and takes an activ 
interest in the success and welfare of the party. Socially he is a Master Masoi 
and is a valued member of the \\'ashington Association of Morris county. H 
is a public spirited and progressive citizen, and his labors have resulted in th 
benefit of his adopted country, he having done much to improve the roads an 
advance educational facilities in his locality. He gives a generous support t 
all measures for the public good, and his worth to the State is widely acknowl 
edged. 

Mr. Xishwitz has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Doris Wenze 
of Brooklyn, and to them were born two daughters: }ilrs. Wilhelmina Taff, c 
Mihington, and Emma, wife of Roderick Byington, of Xewark, Xew Jersey. Th 
mother of these children having passed away, Mr. Xishwitz was again marriec 
his second imion being with Aliss Cornelia R. Baker, of .\mherst, Massachusett: 
One daughter Doretta. graces this union. Mr. Xishwitz and his family atten 
the Presbyterian church. . Since 1873 he has made his home in Milhngton, an 
his magnificent country residence occupies one of the most beautiful buildin 
sites in the State, commanding a splendid view of the Passaic \'alley, its hill 
and glenns, forests and plains. 



MAJOR=GENERAL JAMES SCOTT NEQLEY, 

A soldier of the war with Mexico, a Major-General of volunteers in the war c 
the Rebellion, later a representative in Congress from the Twenty-second Dis 
trict of Pennsylvania, and now engaged in extensive enterprises in New Yorl< 
was born December 22. 1826. in East Liberty, .Allegheny county, Pennsylvania 
His ancestors were Swiss, and were pioneers in the .Allegheny ^'alley, liavinj 





UOR GENERAL U S VOLUNTEERS 



JIaiMsaiBisltintalPMtshmti Co. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 229 

settled near the old French Fort Duquesne. and were participants in the events 
connected with the French and Indian War, better known as the Seven Year's 
War. He was educated in the public schools of his district and at the Western 
University; but before his graduation, when war was declared with Mexico, 
lie enlisted in his nineteenth year, as a private in the Duquesne Grays, which or- 
ganization became a part of the First Pennsylvania Regiment. His family in- 
voked the aid of the law to detain him as a minor, but, persevering in his deter- 
mination, he left with his company and participated in the siege and capture of 
Vera Cruz, and in the battle of Cerro Gordo, La Perote and Las Vegas, and in 
the siege of Puebla, besides taking part in other engagements of the campaign, 
remaining with the victorious army until the America flag floated over the 
citadel of the Mexican capital, notwithstanding that he received while at Puebla 
an order from the Secretary of War for his honorable discharge. 

Returning home he became engaged extensively in manufacturing pursuits, 
■devoting his leisure hours to horticvflture, attaining distinction in this field. He 
took a deep interest in military matters, and was chosen Brigadier-General of 
the Eighteenth Division of the State Militia by an unanimous vote. Foreseeing 
the civil conflict General Negley, as early as December, i860, made formal of?er 
of an organized brigade to the Governor of the State. But it was not until the 
first call was made for troops by the President, on April 17, 1861, that authority 
was given him, after having been summoned to Harrisburg by the Governor, to 
recruit and organize the volunteers. He was mustered in as a Brigadier- 
General of volunteers April 19, 1861, and placed in command of the State en- 
campment at Lancaster, where he performed the duties involved upon him with 
promptness, efficiency and fidelity, speedily raising and organizing more troops 
than the Government would receive. He was chosen by General Patterson 
to lead one of his brigade in the Shenandoah campaign in the early part of that 
year, and took part in the various councils of war held by that commander. If 
the movement proposed by Generals Negley and Newton at one of these coun- 
cils of war had been carried out, it would have ensured the success of our armies 
at Bull Run by holding Johnson's forces at Winchester. He was prominent in 
the engagement of Falling Waters, Mrginia. 

Upon the termination of the three months' service Genera! Negley was for a 
time placed in command of the volunteer camp at Harrisburg. and later rejoined 
General Sherman's command at Louisville, Kentucky, with his brigade. Sub- 
sequent to the capture of Nashville his brigade became part of General McCook's 
<livision, under the command of General Buell. When the latter marched to 
Pittsburg, General Negley was placed in command at Columbia, Tennessee, ren- 
dering valuable service in keeping open the lines of communication, and holding 
the enemy in check. Learning that the enemy were rapidly organizing a large 
force of both cavalry and infantry in Sequache Valley for the purpose of attack- 
ing General Mitchell at Huntsville, also to destroy his communications. General 
Neglev, taking one of his own brigades and another from General Mitchell's 
command, moved rapidly over the mountains, surprised and defeated General 
Adams' command in Sweden's Cove, and drove the enemy across the Tennessee 
River, and shelled the City of Chattanooga, which he could have held if the rein- 
forcements he asked for had been furnished. AMicn I'.uell pursued Bragg into 
Kentuckv. General Neglev relieved General Thomas at Nashville. Here he was 



230 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

ob'iged to tax his best resources to prevent the city from falHng into the hands 
of the enemy: but he succeeded, and held the garrison until the morning of the 
20th of October, when the victorious legions of Rosecrans came to his relief. 

Under General Rosecrans, who had succeeded General Buell, General Xeg- 
ley became quite prominent in the operations of the army in the campaign in 
Tennessee. He distinguished himself and was singularly successful in Middle 
and Eastern Tennessee, where he was engaged in actions at Santa Fe. Rogers- 
ville and Florence. He led the forces against Morgan's command at Shelbyville 
and General Adams' at Sweeden's Cove, and at the battle of Lavergne. October 
7. 1S62. he was in command, and defeated the confederates under Generals Rich- 
ard H. Anderson and Xapoleon B. Forrest. 

At the battle of Stone River in front of Murfreesboro, which began on the 
ver\" last day of the year 1862, he was in command of the Eighth Division of the 
Fourteenth Army Corps. He performed heroic and invaluable ser\-ices through- 
out that memorable conflict. dri\-ing Breckinridge from his intrenchments and 
insuring final success to the Union arms. As an evidence of his gallantry upon 
this occasion, we cannot do better than quote the following from an account of 
the battle in Bates' "Martial Deeds of Pennsylvania." 

"Early in the morning of the 31st of December, 1862, General Rosecrans 
met the rebel army under General Bragg in front of Murfreesboro at Stone 
River. General McCook, with the divisions of Generals Johnson, Davis and 
Sheridan, held the right of the Union line. General Thomas, with the divisions 
of General Xegley and Rousseau, the latter in reser\-e. held the centre, and Gen- 
eral Crittenden, with the divisions of Generals Palmer, ^^'ood and \'an Cleve. 
held the Union left. With massed columns the rebel general attacked the Union 
right just at the moment that General Rosecrans was about to attack from the 
Union left. The latter's right wing was crushed and driven before help could 
reach it. General Xegley stood next with his splendid division, and made a 
stubborn fight. A writer in the 'Rebellion Record' says: 'Pushing out to 
the cedar forest, where this gallant division was struggling against great odds. 
General Sheridan was met bringing out his division in superb order. During 
all this time General Xegley's command was holding its line, though fearfully 
outnumbered. When the right broke the latter pushed in ahead of the right 
wing and was dri\-ing the enemy. His troops sustained one of the fiercest as- 
saults of the day, and the enemy was severely punished. On the afternoon of 
the following day the fighting was renewed on the Union left upon the other 
side of the river, and the foe was again driving the centre. At this juncture 
General Xegley's division, supported by that of Davis and St. Clair Morton's 
pioneer battalion, was immediately pushed forward to retrieve the disaster. A 
sanguinan,- conflict ensued, perhaps the most bitter of the whole battle. Both 
sides massed their batteries, and piled them with desperate energy. The infantry 
of either side displayed great valor, but X"egley's unconquerable Eighth Division 
resolved to win. The fur\" of the conflict now threatened mutual annihilation: 
but both brigades charged simultaneously and drove the enemy under Breck- 
inridge from their intrenchments. capturing a batter\" and the flag of the Twenty- 
sixth Tennessee.' " 

A correspondent in describing the assault on Friday afternoon, wrote as 
follows : 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 231 

"It was a trying situation for Negley's men. Hugging close to the ground 
they lay. eight regiments and remnants saved out of Wednesday's fight, viz: 
Stanley's brigade, the Eighteenth and Sixty-Ninth Ohio, Eleventh Michigan, 
and the Nineteenth Illinois (the 'Bloody Nineteenth'); Miller's Brigade, the 
Seventy-Eighth Pennsylvania, Thirty-Seventh Indiana, Seventy-Fourth Ohio, Par- 
son Moody's 'Boys,' and the Twenty-First Ohio (Neibling's "Twenty-Onesters'). 
Before their eyes, coming down the slope, the foe was driving the beaten left 
in confusion, and with great loss. The disorganized troops plunging into the 
stream came on, stepping over the men of Negley's line, and on to the rear. The 
Twenty-First Ohio lay directly abreast of the ford in the most trying position. 
But not a man flinched, either from the shot now pouring down the slope upon 
them or from the disorganizing influence of the routed troops. But they eagerly 
awaited the order to charge. It came, but not until the victorious enemy had 
reached the opposite bank, some getting even into the water. Such perished in 
the murderous fire Negley suddenly opened, for from a point below I saw several 
rebel bodies floating. Following the volley, Negley's whole line sprang over the 
bank into the stream and fell upon the foe. Nothing could have withstood that 
onset. The rebels first halted, then staggered, then slowly settled back, and, 
as Negley's men gained the other side, they sullenly shrank back up the slope, 
but most stubbornly resisting every step. I went to the spot the other day 
where the commander of this brave division was much of that afternoon. It was 
not only under the rebel Napoleon guns, but was where the wave of \'ancleve's 
broken ranks struck against the high bank, flying across. I was making my 
way to the massed artillery on the hill when I first saw him. He was attempting 
to rally these men I shall never forget his an.xious. earnest face, nor his cheer- 
ing words. 'Fall in, men,' he would say. 'Do you not see that my men have 
stopped the enemy? Fall in here, and we shall shortly win a glorious victory.' " 

For valor and gallantr)- displaved in this signal victory. General Negley 
was promoted to the rank of Major-General of \'olunteers. General Rosecrans, 
in his personal recommendation for this promotion, referred to General Negley 
in the following words : 

"Brigadier-General James S. Negley has conmianded a division nearly a 
year, always maintaining strict discipline and keeping his command in excel- 
lent condition. .\s commander of the post at Nashville, he fortified and pro- 
tected the city in a most judicious manner. While cut off from communication, 
without support from our forces in Kentucky and surrounded by a diligent 
enemy, he subsisted upon their country and made successful sorties upon them, 
at one time routing a large force at Lavergne, Tennessee. At the battle of 
Stone River he fought his troops obstinately, and handled them with consum- 
mate skill, winning a high reputation for courage and generalship, and con- 
tributing largely to the success of our arms." 

In planning the Georgia campaign which followed he was consulted, and 
his views were largelv adopted. He led the advance at Lookout Mountain, and 
drove the enemy from their position, and most skillfully saved General Thomas' 
corps from an overwhelming defeat at Davis' Cross Roads. He rendered con- 
spicuous and gallant service in the first day's battle of Chicamauga. On Sun- 
day, when ordered to take charge of the artillery massed in front of the line of 
battle, he showed great coolness and energy in defending and saving upwards 



.232 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

•of fifty pieces from capture. When Generals Rosecrans, McCook and Critten- 
•don left the field, General Negley reorganized the scattered troops at Ross- 
ville, and formed a much-needed reserve for General Thomas and assisted in 
covering the retreat to Chattanooga. 

The following excerpts from a description of tlie battle written at the time 
for the Cincinnati "Gazette" by Captain Bickham, of General Rosecrans' staff, 
are interesting and show the important part taken by General Negley in the 
battle: 

"Negley was in the thick darkness with his noble Eighth Division beating 
back the relentless tide. Johnson appeared, too, with the remnant of his com- 
mand. Rosseau was sent into the fiery cauldron to extricate his struggling 
division comrade * * * 

"The lines had been broken at every point on the right. The centre under 
Negley, struggling fiercely, must be swallowed up; the left and all would be 
gone unless the destroying tide could be stayed. No one could do it save he, 
though all were fighting manfully. * * * 

"Negley, unprotected on his right, was fighting an overwhelming enemy 
■on three sides of him, and he was holding them stubbornly. Rosseau was re- 
ceding * * * 

"The division lost heavily. The regiments composing it robed themselves 
with honor. When Negley came out the enemy followed him fiercely, but he 
turned at bay, and with Rosseau, gave them a bitter repulse. * * * When 
the glorious Eighth Division retired from the forest, its ammunition was ex- 
hausted, a third of its original force was "hors du combat' and most of the ar- 
tillery horses were killed. Every inch of ground over which it 
retreated was strewn with the dead and mangled. Like Sheridan's division it 
Avaded through fire without breaking, and the men marched proudly among their 
■companions in arms to take a new position." * * * 

The following from the "Annals of the .\rmy of the Cumlicrland," describes 
■General Negley as follows: 

"In person General Negley is a little above the medium height, stoutly 
built, with a healthy, florid complexion and pleasing countenance. His man- 
ners are genial and courteous. He is devoid of that ceremonious punctilo which 
measures friendship by rank and worth by position. Among his men he is very 
popular, both because of his affability and bravery. Mild and determined, gen- 
•erous and just, he was recognised throughout the army as a strict disciplinarian 
and a correct administrative officer." 

Soon afterwards General Negley resigned his conmiission, took leave of 
his command, and returned to Pennsylvania, but he was by no means an inac- 
tive or disinterested spectator of the struggle for the preservation of the Union; 
for he was continually exerting himself in assisting the cause. He took an ac- 
tive part in politics, and in 1868 was nominated and elected by the Republicans 
of the Twenty-second District to the Forty-first Congress by a majority of 
nearly five thousand votes, was re-elected to the Forty-second Congress by a 
handsome majority, and again to the Forty-third Congress by a majority of 
about seven thousand. At the convention of his party, held in 1874, he was 
rominated by acclamation, and was duly elected at the polls and served through- 
out the term of the Forty-fourth Congress. At the end of this term he retired 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 233 

from Congress until the Forty-ninth Congress, to which he was again elected 
by his constitutents. 

General Xegley conceived the idea of creating a deep-water harbor at 
Pittsburgh, and obtained the first appropriation for the purpose. He also 
earnestly supported measures for the improvement of the Ohio and other wes- 
tern rivers. He was for fifteen years an active and influential member of the 
Board of ^Managers of the National Home for \'olunteers, two of which were 
established through his efforts. He was at the same time President of the Na- 
tional Union League of America, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, 
Scott Legion, Masonic fraternity. National Board of Steam Navigation Shipping 
League, etc., holding official positions in each. Latterly he has been prom- 
inently identified with railway and other enterprises in Pennsylvania, Ohio, \'ir- 
ginia, West \'irginia and North Carolina. He has been twice married. His 
first wife was a Miss Kate DeLosey, niece of Commodore Van \'orhees. of New 
Jersey. His second wife was Miss Grace Ashton, of Philadelphia, who with 
three daughters constitutes his family. 

His home in Plainfield, New Jersey, is noted for its collection of rare fruits, 
shrubbery and flowers. Many of the varieties were personally selected in 
Europe. 



WILLIAM WALTER PHELPS 

Was born in New York City, August 24th ,1839. His father. John Jay Phelps, 
one of the leading merchants of the city, accumulated a large fortune, having 
been prominently identified with many of the important enterprises of his day. 
He was the projector and virtual founder of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Wes- 
tern Railroad Company, and lield the office of president for many years. 

William Walter, his distinguished son. received his collegiate education at 
Yale College from which institution he was graduated with high honors in 
i860. Following this he pursued a special line of study for a short time in 
Europe, subsequently taking a leading place in the class of 1863, in the Colum- 
bia Law School, where he was graduated as valedictorian. 

Immediately after being admitted to the bar, Mr. Phelps opened offices in 
New York and was rapidly building up a large practice when the death of his 
father, occuring in 1868. changed all his future plans of life. The settlement 
and care of a large estate now demanded his attention, compelling him to aban- 
don his profession and devote his entire time to private interests. Recognizing 
his abilities. Governor Fenton had, prior to this, tendered him the apjiointment 
to the bench of the Sixth Judicial District of New York City. 

The estate upon which he resided is situated near Englewood, and com- 
prises about twentv-nine hundred acres of land. In the midst of this stood a 
residence of palatial proportions, filled with treasures collected during extensive 
travels in foreign lands. (This residence was burned April i, 1888). 

Soon after his removal to Bergen county. Mr. Phelps began to take an in- 
terest in the success of the Republican party. 

In 1872 he was elected to Congress, representing the I'ifth Congressional 



234 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

District of New Jersey. P'orceful and vigorous in oratory, ready in debate, 
and ever the courteous gentleman, he attracted attention and made an immediate 
and marked impression. He was made a member of the committee on Banking 
and Commerce, one of the leading committees in the House. 

His statesmanHke abilities were quickly recognized by Speaker Blaine, who 
appointed the young New Jersey congressman upon several special committees 
of the highest importance, where he acquitted himself with such fairness and 
good judgment as to elicit the approval of prominent men and the newspapers 
of all parties. 

It was at this time that a warm friendship and close personal intimacy 
sprang up between Mr. Phelps and Air. Blaine, which was life-lasting. 

Mr. Phelps was renominated for Congress in 1874. which was a Democratic 
tidal wave year, and although he ran six hundred votes ahead of his ticket, the 
Democratic candidate was elected by a plurality of seven. He declined to be- 
come a candidate again in 1878. his private business demanding his whole at- 
tention. 

In 1880 he was a delegate-at-large from the State of New Jersey to the 
National Republican convention at Chicago, where he worked herocially for the 
nomination of James G. Blaine for President, but with characteristic graceful- 
ness he accepted the inevitable, and at once threw his influence and hearty sup- 
port toward the election of Mr. Garfield. 

His health giving away, during this campaign, he was ordered abroad by 
his physicians and sailed in October. In the spring of 1881, while still abroad, 
he received the appointment of Minister to Austria from the new administration. 
This he accepted, but resigned the position after the death of Mr. Garfield a few 
months later. He, however, remained in his position at the Court of \'ienna 
for another year before being relieved by a successor. 

On returning to this countn,- in 1882, he found his party ready to again 
nominate him for a seat in the National House of Representatives. He was 
elected by a handsome plurality, and was re-elected in 1884, and again in 1886, 
each time by an increased majority. 

He positively declined a renomination for Congress in 1888. and at the Re- 
publican National Convention that year his name was presented as a candidate 
for the Mce-Presidencv, and he received a vote next to that of Mr. Morton, of 
New York, the successful candidate. 

Mr. Phelps had no sooner closed his congressional career in March, 1889, 
than he was appointed by President Harrison, one of the Conunissioners to rep- 
resent the United States at the International Congress on the Samoan question 
which met at Berlin in the coming April. Here Mr. Phelps and his American 
associates as well as some of the leading diplomats of Europe, had to measure 
swords with Bismark and his talented son Herbert. 

It was all agreed on all sides that American interests had been splendidly 
guarded in this conference. Mr. Phelps arrived in this coimtry with the treaty 
in June. The examinations of the treaty proved so satisfactory to our government 
that in two weeks after Mr. Phelps' return, he was nominated by the President to 
be Minister to Germany, Mr. Harrison remarking at the time that it was a re- 
ward of merit. His nomination was promptly confirmed by the Senate which 
was then in session. Mr. Phelps filled the Berlin Mission until superseded 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 235 

in the siiiiimer of 1893 by ex-Chancellor Theodore Runyon, the appointee of 
President Cleveland. The mutual regard which had grown up between the 
American Commission and Prince Bismark during the Samoan Conference 
proved of much assistance to Mr. Phelps when he went back as Minister, and it 
enabled him to perform important services to the United States which his pre- 
decessor had failed to secure, especially in the removal of the embargo on Ameri- 
can pork products. 

Before Air. Phelps left Berlin, he received an appointment from Governor 
Werts to be a special judge of the Court of Errors and Appeals of the State of 
New Jersey. Mr. Phelps accepted the honor, and the choice of so distinguished 
a man to serve on the court was warmly applauded throughout New Jersey. 
Mr. Phelps took a keen interest in the work of the court, but the pulmonary 
disease with which he had been for years afflicted began to make rapid progress 
early in the spring of 1894. Governor Werts had named him as one of the 
Commissioners provided for by a joint resolution of the Legislature to revise 
the constitution of the State. Mr. Phelps looked forward with great interest 
to the work of this body, which was to hold its first session the latter part of 
June, but it was fated that he should never meet his distinguished associates of 
that Commission, for on the seventeenth day of June he finally succumbed to 
that disease which had always made him physically frail and his life from child- 
hood somewhat of a btirden. 

While always the possessor of ample wealth, Mr. Phelps was most demo- 
cratic in his manners. His hospitality was proverbial, and his house was in 
every sense of the word made a home to all his guests. His popularity with 
his neighbors and the people of Bergen county, was demonstrated on many oc- 
casions. He was the kindest of employers, his large contribuations to private 
charities and his generous gifts to the needy were without ostentation. 

His financial standing and his character for probity were of the highest. 
He made notable pecuniary sacrifices to save the credit of others. His business 
interests were extensive, and he was an influential member of the directories of 
many companies and institutions. 

While a positive party man, early in his public career he established a char- 
acter for political independence and liberality which gained him a public respect 
that he never lost. 

He was a fluent talker, and as an orator he was natural and concise, discard- 
ing the ornate, and speaking in the choicest diction directly to the point. His 
wit was ever bright, keen and fresh. In Congress he did not speak often, but 
he was among the few in the House who were always listened to. 

Soon after concluding his collegiate course Mr. Phelps was married to a 
daughter of Joseph E. Sheffield, the founder of the Sheffield Scientific School of 
New Haven. Of this marriage there is one daughter, the wife of Dr. Franz 
V'^on Rottenburg, a German scholar and statesman : and two sons, Captain John 
Jay Phelps, of Bergen county, and Colonel Sheffield Phelps, editor of the Jersey 
City "Tournal." 



1236 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

DAVID OAKES. 

JMr. Oakes was descended from Englisli stock, his grandfather, John Oakes, 
having been a resident of Ellastone Mills, Staffordshire, England. The latter 
had two sons, David and Thomas, of whom Thomas emigrated to America in 
1802, and pursued his vocation, that of consulting engineer and millwright, hav- 
ing acted in the former capacity for the Philadelphia Board of Water Works, 
and later been made Superintendent of the Schuylkill Navigation Company. He 
married Rachel Kingsland, whose children were David, Joseph, Sarah, John 
and Mary. Mr. Oakes, in connection with his duties as an official of the Schuyl- 
kill Canal, removed to Reading, where his death occurred in 1823. His son 
David was born January 13, 1809, in that portion of Bloomfield now known as 
Franklin township, where he lived until nearly two years of age, when his par- 
ents removed to the present site of Bloomiield, and he, until the age of seven- 
teen, pursued his studies at the school adjacent to his home. In 1826 he re- 
moved to Orange, New Jersey, for the purpose of acquiring the trade of a fin- 
isher of woolen goods. Soon after completing his apprenticeship he located in 
the village of Bloomfield, and at once erected a frame building in which, having 
equipped it with the necessary machinery and stock, he began the manufacture 
of woolen goods. After a successful business had been established the struc- 
ture was, in 1836, destroyed by fire. The enterprise of Mr. Oakes was mani- 
fested in the immediate erection of a new building, which was devoted to the 
exclusive manufacture of flannels and yarn. Again in 1842 the products of 
the mill were varied, tweeds becoming the staple article, which, by their super- 
ior quality, gained a wide reputation. The mills were enlarged in 1849, and in 
i860 the first brick building erected, which was followed by various additions in 
1873 ^"d again in 1879, 1880 and 1882 respectively, Mr. C)akes" son Thomas 
having succeeded him as general manager. 

Mr. Oakes was married to Abigail H., daughter of Simeon Baldwin, of 
Bloomfield. Their children are Sarah (JMrs. Cornelius \'an Lieu), deceased; 
George A., deceased, and Thomas. ]\Ir. Oakes continued in active business 
during his lifetime, having established a reputataion not less as a master in his 
special department of industry than for integrity and uprightness in all com- 
mercial transactions. In politics he was early a Whig, later a Republican, and 
anti-slavery in his proclivities. In i860 and 1861 he was a member of the State 
Legislature, and filled at various times the important offices connected with his 
county and township. He was a director of the National Newark Banking 
Company, and a member of the board of managers of the Howard Savings 
Institution. For years he was one of the board of trustees of the Bloomfield 
Presbyterian church, and was a member of this church at the time of his death, 
which occurred July 26, 1878. 



WILLARD P. VOORHEES. 



It is somewhat unusual at the present day to find a lawyer of ability and 
distinction who has confined his efforts and ambitions solely to the practice of 
his chosen profession. Few men are strong enough to withstand the tempting 






^cL<_-<^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 237 

and seductive offerings of the siren politics. Tlie love of office and power has 
been the ignus fatuus that has lured thousand of bright and capal;)le lawyers 
away from the dull plodding routine of the law workshop to seek the plaudits 
of the multitude, and chase the empty and evanescent, yet glittering and charm- 
ing bubble of political preferment, and thus neglected the possibilities that were 
within their grasp in strictly professional lines, until they were drawn deeper and 
deeper into the vortex of the political niaelstrom, to the neglect of their own and 
their clients' interests, and only too frequently their onlv reward has been the 
doubtful honor of having "also ran." 

Mr. \'oorhees has kept aloof from politics, or other side issue entanglements, 
with the result that he stands to-day, while yet a comparatively young man, one 
of the leaders of the New Jersey bar. He is the son of Abraham and Jane 
(Jarvis) Voorhees, and was born in New Brunsw'ick. New Jersey, July 28, 1851. 
He w^as prepared for college at the Rutgers College Grammar School, and 
imder private instruction from Professor Gustavus Fischer, a noted educator. 
He then entered Rutgers College, and graduated in the full classical course, 
class of 1 87 1. He then became a law student in the ofifice of Judge Wood- 
bridge Strong, of New Brunswick, and was admitted to the bar in November, 
1874, and three years later was admitted as counsellor. 

He was of an independent turn of mind, and had sufficient self-reliance and 
confidence in his own equipment and ability to undertake to fight his way to suc- 
cess without any bolstering or outside aid, so he hung out his shingle as a can- 
didate for legal business without any alliance or partnership with any other- 
firm or attornev, and has, from the Ijeginning of his career to the present time, 
never had a partner. That this course, while unusual, was well justified, is 
demonstrated by the success that has attended his efforts, and by the enviable 
rank he has attained as a successful and able lawyer. His field has been chiefly 
in equity and probate cases, and corporation law. He is the counsel for the 
New Brunswick Rubber Company (now- an integer of the United States Rubber 
Company) the Norfolk and New Brunswick Hosiery Company, the Kilbourne 
Knitting Machine Company, and has, from the inauguration of the enterprise, 
been counsel for the Brunswick Traction Company. He, in conjunction with 
his junior associate, Mr. Frederick Weigel. obtained all their franchises for 
them, and has conducted all their litigation. 

He was one of the counsel for the estate of the late Christopher Meyer, the 
rubber magnate, in a contest involving between seven and eight millions of dol- 
lars. In 1883 he was appointed, by the Chancellor, receiver of the green houses 
and immense orchid collection of George Suchm, the famous orchid grower 
and collector of South Amboy, New Jersey. The proceeds of this sale amounted 
to over $36,000. Possiblv it was his connection with this matter that developed 
in him the latent love of flowers which he possessed. At any rate, the growing 
of flowers, and particularlv roses, has since been a sort of fad with him, and his 
private green houses have become locally famous for the production of rare and 
beautiful roses. 

.As a sort of side light on his versatility, it may be mentioned that he has 
been organist of the First Presbyterian church for more than thirty years. He 
began plaving the organ in church when only fifteen years of age, and during 
his college course, was the college organist. He has personally supervised 



23S BIOGR.\PHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

the building of uvo church organs in his native city of New Brunswick. The 
first was burned in September, 1888, when the First Presbrterian church was 
destroyed, and the one that he had constructed to replace it is one of the most 
artistic and valuable instruments in the State. He has been treasurer of the 
church twent\-three years. In his entire career Mr. \"oorhees has been cnadi- 
date for but one political office, that of Count\- Clerk. In this contest he was 
defeated, and the slight insight into political methods which this experience gave 
him has been amply sufficient to satisf}" any cravings he might have had in this di- 
rection. 

He married, March 15th. 1877, Sarah Rutgers Xeilson, daughter of Theo- 
dore Xeilson, of New Brunswick. They have no children living. 



JOH.N L. SE.nPLE. 



A prominent young lawyer of Camden. New Jersey, having an office at Xo. 312 
Market street, was bom October 11. 1859. in Mount Holly, Xew Jersey, son of 
John and Elizabeth (Little) Semple, through whom he has inherited some of 
the noblest qualities of the English and Scotch people. His grandfather, 
Samuel Semple, who came frorn Scotland to take charge of the thread mills at 
Smithfield, Xew Jersey, afterward established at Mount Holly the Semple 
Thread Mills, which were conducted by himself and three sons. This firm was 
known throughout the United States, and for nearly half a centun.^ did a large 
business, and employed about five hundred hands. Samuel Semple died when 
eighty -two years of age. 

John Semple, whose birth occurred in Glasgow, Scotland, was brought up 
in the business of manufacturing thread, and was a member of the firm. He re- 
tired from active business in 1876. and has since lived in Mount Holly. He is 
a director of the Mount Holly Gas Company and the bank of Mount Holly, 
and one of the best known men in Burlington count\-. His wife, Elizabeth, is 
a daughter of John Little and was bom in Paisley. Scotland, of English and 
Scotch ancestn.". Her father, who was a ci\"il engineer, died in Scotland. Mr. 
and ^Nlrs John Semple are the parents of seven children, of whom three are liv- 
ing, namely: Samuel ^^^, John L. and Margaret. Samuel \\". Semple. for- 
merly the editor and proprietor of the Camden "Democrat." after selling this 
paper, became private secretary, successively, to Speakers O'Connor and Stoney. 
of the Xew Jersey House of Representatives, then of the State Board of Genea- 
logical Survey, and now is a member of the Common Council of Burlington, 
where he has made his home of late years. He married Rebecca Lippincott. 
a sister of ex-Postmaster Lippincott. one of the leading citizens of Burlington, 
and well known throughout the State. His father. John Semple. is a member 
of the Episcopal church, and one of its most liberal supporters. 

After attending for some time a private school in Mount Holly. John L. 
Semple graduated in due course at Xazareth. Pennsylvania, and then for a year 
studied at a classical academy in Philadelphia. After this he was prepared to 
enter Princeton College by a private tutor, but his father instead was persuaded 
to place him in the office of Frederick H \'oorhees. a celebrated lawyer. He 




JOHN L. SEMPLE 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 239 

was admitted to the bar in 18S0, within a month after attaining his majority, 
after which he remained with Air. \'oorhees one year. Then he opened an ofifice 
in Camden and engaged in general practice. He was admitted as a coimsellor 
at the February term 1885. and to practice in the United States Stipreme Coixrt 
in February, 1895. I" 1894 he was unexpectedly brought into prominence, 
when assigned, as defendant's counsel, by Judge Garrison of the Supreme Court 
in the celebrated case of George Morris, In a period of three years, of the four- 
teen murder cases in which he conducted the defense, thirteen ended in a verdict 
of acquittal for his clients. One of the latter, that of Charles Jordan, is perhaps, 
the shortest homicide case in criminal annals. The evidence, summing up 
of counsel, charge of the trial Judge, and the verdict of the jury, consuming 
less than two hours. 

Mr. Seniple made his reputation as a remarkably clever criminal lawyer in 
his successful defense of over a dozen homicide cases, and it was owing to this 
success, and his knowledge of criminal law, that he was associated with former 
Governor Pattison, of Pennsylvania, in the recent cases of Bredell and Tavlor, 
the engravers in the noted counterfeit plot, in which the Secretary of the 
United States Treasury was compelled to withdraw the entire series of one hun- 
dred dollars, Monroe notes. The scheme was unearthed in Philadelphia by the 
Secret Service officials and proved a great sensation, as it was regarded as one 
of the greatest attempts ever made to flood the country with counterfeit money. 

But Air. Semple's name will ever be associated with the Lambert homicide 
case, as that is the one that brought him most fame and made his name known 
all over the country, and gave him a world wide reputation. He persistently 
carried the latter case through all the State courts and twice to the United States 
Supreme Court unaided, but in such a manner that he received the commenda- 
tion of the court, where it was regarded as the most successful attempt ever 
made to evade the verdict of a jury. 

Shortly after having been admitted to the bar he was a candidate for the 
office of Prosecutor of Pleas of Burlington county. About this time he was 
chosen a delegate to the Democratic State Convention. Since which time he 
has eschewed active participation in politics, giving his entire attention to his 
extensive practice. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order 
of Elks, and an attendant of the Episcopal Church. 



JACOB RINQLE, 



Born in Renish, Bavaria, July 25, 1835, left school at nine years of age and found 
employment in a cotton factory, where he remained until 1846, when he immi- 
grated to America. In 1849 h^ secured employment in roofing and iron work 
in New York. He continued in the employment, working in various parts 
of the United States, until i860, in which year he located in Jersey City, started in 
the roofing business for himself, and commenced manufacturing tinware as soon 
as he had accumulated sufficient capital to start. His business gradually de- 
veloped until it assumed large proportions, and its present specialty is orna- 
mental sheet-iron work. 



240 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

When he commenced the manufacture of steel metal work he employed but 
a single man and a boy, he now employs a hundred and ninety men, and his 
goods are shipped all over the United States and to foreign countries, — Eng- 
land, Ireland, Scotland, the West India Islands. South America, etc. The the- 
atre in Caracas, \'enezuela, is built of this metal, also the market house Port- 
a-peck. The works are located, under the firm name of Jacob Ringle & 
Son, at 83 and 85 Newark avenue, and 470 and 472 Jersey City, and is one of 
the largest concerns in the country engaged in the manufacture of sheet metal 
work for buildings, and has unsurpassed facilities. Their work done for the 
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, New York City, is conceded to be 
among the finest work ever executed in this country. Other work includes 
many of the principal public and private buildings throughout the country. 

Mr. Ringles is a Republican in politics and has held important official posi- 
tions in Jersey City. In 1879, '80 and '81 he was a member of the Board of 
Aldermen, has served for five years as President of the Sinking Fund Commis- 
sion, and is now a member of the Board of Finance. 

By his first marriage, in 1858, five children were born to him, two only of 
whom survive. By a second marriage in 1870, six children were born to him, 
all of whom but one are living. Of his sons, George. \'alentine and Abram L. 
are in partnership with him in the business, which was incorporated in 1893 under 
the laws of New Jersey with a capital of eighty-five thousand dollars. 



JOHN H. POLHEMUS. 



Fortunate is the man who has back of him an ancestry honorable and dis- 
tinguished, and in this particular our subject is especially blessed. In the his- 
tory of the Netherlands, the family name figures conspicuously in connection 
with the affairs of state, and its representatives bore an important part in many 
of the public events, which are mentioned in the annals of the country. The 
family name was originally Polheem, but the Latin terminus "us" was affixed 
as' a mark of eminence, according to a custom more or less observed in early 
days among men of learning and distinction. Anciently soine members of the 
family enjoyed celebrity in the cities of Antwerp and Ghent, and in the former 
Eleazer Polhemus. a learned jurist, held the office of Burgomaster in 1310. 

Johannes Theodoras Polhemus. a minister of the Reformed church of Hol- 
land, was the progenitor of all the families of the name in America. ( )n his ar- 
rival in this counrty he accepted a call from the church in f-^latbush, where he 
labored from 1654 to 1665. He was afterwards pastor of a church in Brook- 
lyn, until his death, which occurred June 9th, 1676. He married Catherine \'an 
Werven, and their children were Theodoras. Daniel, Elizabeth, .\drianna, Mar- 
garet and Anna, of this family. Daniel Polhemus was captain of the troops of 
Kings county, and served as supervisor of Flatbush in 1705. he was afterwards 
County Judge, and was a most important factor in the public life of his locality. 
His sister .\nna married Cornelius Barent \'an Wyck, who came to the New 
Netherlands in 1650, from the town of Wvck. Holland, whose marriage took 
place in 1660. at Flatbush, Kings county. New York. Robert .\.. now Mayor 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. J41 

of New York, and his brother, formerly Judge Augustus \'an Wyck are descen- 
dants on the maternal side. All the American \'an Wycks are descendants of 
this couple. The family of Daniel Polhemus included the following named: 
Cornelius, Daniel, Hendrick and Jacob. Cornelius settled at Haverstraw, Hen- 
drick at Harlingen, Somerset county. New Jersey, Daniel in New York and 
Jacob in Hempstead, Long Island. All left families. 

Hendrick settled (date unknown) on a large tract of land extending from 
Harlingen to the Millstone River, and on this he built a log house. He was 
succeeded on the homestead by his son Hendrick, Hendrick by his son Daniel, 
the father of Henry Polhennis, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, for 
some time the pastor of the churches of Harlingen and Neshanic. who died in 
1813. Major John Polhemus, who was born in New Jersey in 1738, served 
in the French and Indian wars and rose to the rank of Major in the War of 
the Revolution, his death occurred in 1833. John H. Polhemus was born in 
New Jersey and married Helen \"an INIiddlesworth. also a native of this State. 
They removed to Battle Creek, Michigan, where the immediate subject of this 
review (John H. Polhemus) was born on the iith of April, 1856, the mother 
died in Battle Creek and the father soon afterward went to Bushnell, Illinois, 
where, with his family, he resided about four years, after which he returned, 
locating in Somerset county, New Jersey. The son John H., was then a lad 
of nine years, making his home for several years with his sister, Mrs. Isaac 
Cortelyou, of Six Mile Run, (now Franklin Park), attending district school dur- 
ing the winter and assisting on the farm, spring, summer and fall months, he 
completed his education in an elocutionary college in Middlebush. Among others 
attending at that time was T DeWitt Talmage, Jr., (now deceased) son of the 
eminent divine. In 1876 he came to Morris county, locating in Whippany, where 
he secured a clerkship. Soon afterward, however, he became proprietor of a gen- 
eral store, and he has since continued operations in this line with gratifying suc- 
cess. He has studied closely the public taste, carried a large and well-selected 
stock, fitted to meet the popular demand, this combined with his courteous treat- 
ment of his customers and his reliable business methods has secured him a liberal 
patronage. His father died at Hanover, N. J., April 6, 1885, leaving three daugh- 
ters. Mary (the eldest) wife of Isaac Cortelyou, residing at Franklin Park, New 
Jersey; Jennie M., (unmarried) whose home is in Jersey City, and Lida B., wife 
of Paymaster Harry E. Jewett, I'nited States Navy, (nephew of Benjamin F. 
Tracy), now at Manila, while his wife, with their only child, Harry P., are located 
(temporaril}) at Hong Kong Mr. Polhemus was married on the 21st of 
Apirl, 1880, the lady of his choice being Miss Fannelia Beach Mclntyre, daughter 
of Thomas Mclntyre, Esq., one of the pioneer settlers of Mount \'ernon, New- 
York. To them have been born nine children: Minnie Fannelia, born March 
II, 1881; John Howard, born August 27th, 1882: William Alexander, born 
December 6th, 1883: Helen \'an Middlesworth, born October 15th, 1885; 
Laura Elizabeth, born April 28th, 1887; Jennie Mabel, born November 26th, 
1888: Hazel Jewett, born August 5t]i. 1891 ; Edna Gordon, born November 20th. 
1894, and Dorothy Gladys, born April 2d, 1898. 

Mr. Polhemus is a Republican in political connections, having served as 
postmaster of Whippany under Pre.'^ident Harrison. He is one of the dircc- 

13 



242 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

tors, (at one time president) of the W'hiponong Hall Association, he is a member 
of the North Jersey Council. Xo. 1181. Royal Arcanum, also Hanover Coun- 
cil, Ko. 250, Jr. O. U. A. M., and its auxiliary, the "Daughters of Liberty," 
Excelsior Council. Xo. 90. 



WILLIAM AND ISAAC LANE. 

Isaac Lane, who has been conspicuously identitied with the business in- 
terests of Franklin, for over half a century, was born in his home city on the 
5th of ]\Iarch, 1830, and is a son of \\illiam and Jane (Pier) Lane. His 
mother was born January 20, 1807. William Lane was also born in Caldwell 
lownship. September 10, 1804. and was a son of Henry Lane. He followed 
the occupation of carpenter until his death, which occurred February 19, 1890. 
at the venerable age of eighty-six years. His first wife died in the same year, 
when eighty-three years old. The children born to this worthy couple were: 
George Lane, of Xewark; Maria, widow of W. R. Cougar; Isaac, our subject; 
Esther, Sarah and Caroline, the three latter being deceased. 

Isaac Lane obtained but little literary education, his parents being in meager 
circumstances, — a fact that compelled him early in life to seek employment, 
thereby gaining that self-reliance and business acumen that characterized his 
subsequent career. His first situation was with the firm of Bush & Campbell, 
a predecessor of Lane & Lockward, and here he worked as a stripper, earning 
twenty-five cents a hundred pounds. He continued with this firm and its suc- 
cessors, becoming thoroughly acquainted with the tobacco business in all its 
departments, and eventually, in 1866, acquiring an interest as a partner, (This 
tobacco factory has been in operation ever since 1806). His devotion to this one 
line of industry has not permitted him to share his time with other enterprises, 
which fact is sufficient to account for the sure, gradual growth and financial 
prosperity of the present establishment of Lane & Lockward. 

Mr. Lane was united on January 2S. 1851, to Emma, daughter of Cornelius 
Gould. Her death occurred in 1869, and in 1871 our subject married Susan, 
daughter of Moses Kinsey. Xo children \Aere born by either marriage. In 
fraternal relations Mr. Lane is a Master Mason. 



LEWIS Q. LOCKWARD 



\\'as born July 14, 1839, at Caldwell, Xew Jersey, the son of Dr. John T. and 
Charlotte (Personette) Lockward. Dr. Lockward was born in Xew York 
City in 1808. graduated at the Maryland State Medical College in 1833. and in 
1835 located at Caldwell, where he followed his profession imtil his death, which 
occurred in 1843. He was a skillful physician and surgeon and had an exten- 
sive practice. His wife was a daughter of Abram Personette, of Caldwell, 
whose family was of Huguenot descent, Lewis G. acquired his education in 
the schools of Caldwell and vicinitv. 




4^- ^. -c. 



'C^^-v 




WILLIAM LANE 




ISAAC LANE 





^ ^&^?^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 243 

In 1867 he engaged in the manufacture of tobacco and cigars at Caldwell, 
as a member of the firm of Campbell, Lane & Company. He withdrew from 
the business in 1874, but returned in 1879, and is still engaged in it, the present 
style of the firm being Lane & Lockward. The business, which is a large and 
profitable one, has been carried on continuously at the present location since 
1806; it extends through Northern and Central New Jersey, and the adjom- 
ing sections of New York and Pennsylvania, and the firm enjoys a most enviable 
reputation in the trade. JMr. Lockward takes an active interest in local affairs 
and in the public schools. 

He has been prominently identified with the Democratic party and honored 
with a number of ofifices, which he has filled with a fidelity that has won him a high 
commendation. He was a member of the township committee of Caldwell 
(before the township of Verona and the borough of Caldwell were set off from 
it) in 1872, and again in 1886, collector 1877-79, and member of the Board of 
Freeholders of Essex county 1874-76. He was also elected the first Mayor of 
the borough of Caldwell, February 9, 1892, and filled that position until May, 
1894, declining a re-election. For sixteen years, from 1882 to 1898, he has 
been a member of the Board of Education of Caldwell, and for the past nine 
years has been its president. He was president of the Caldwell Building and 
Loan Association 189 1-3. 

Air. Lockward is a leading member of the Masonic fraternity, having been 
elected a member of Caldwell Lodge, No. 59, F. & A. M., February 6, 1863; 
he served as Junior Warden in 1864 and filled the position of Worshipful Mas- 
ter in 1865, 1867, 1878, 1879-and 1890. He joined Union Chapter. No. 7, R. 
A. M., of Newark, October 8, 1866: Damascus Commandery. K. T., of Newark, 
September i, 1870, and the Masonic ^'eterans' Association of New Jersey, Jan- 
uary 2, 1891. 

On the 5th of October, 1871, Mr. Lockward was married to Aliss Anna M., 
daughter of Zenas C. and Marv (Harrison) Crane. The Crane .and Harrison 
fanTilies are among the oldest in this part of New Jersey. They came originally 
from Connecticut and located in Newark and vicinity in 1666. purchasing their 
lands from the Indians. Mr. and Mrs. Lockward have had three children, 
namely: Lewis Gibson was born August 7. 1872, and died December 28, 1875; 
R()l)ert Crane, born June 19, 1874, and Lynn Grover. born June 15, 1878. They 
are members of the Caldwell Presbyterian church and prominent in religious and 
social matters. Mr. Lockward has been president of the church board of trus- 
tees. 

He is a gentleman of refined tastes and culture, public spirited, liberal and 
popular with his many friends and associates, whose confidence he enjoys to 
a marked degree. 



HON. JOSEPH DORSETT BEDLE. 

Governor Bedle was born at .Middletown Point. (Matawan) county of 
Monmouth, in this State, January 5. 1831. He was of English descent, and 
his ancestors were anions: the earlv settlers of the State. His father was Thomas 



244 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

I. Bedle, a merchant, and liis mother, Hannah Dorsett, whose faniil\' came to 
Monmouth county from Bermuda over a century and a hah' aa:o. The cliief 
part of his early education was obtained at the academy at Middletown Point, 
which w-as famous in that section of the state. He read law^ five years, a longer 
period than ustial, the most of which time was spent in the office of the late 
Hon. William L. Dayton, at Trenton, New- Jersey, but during that time he at- 
tended the law school at Balston, Spa., New York, one winter, and also pursued 
his studies a short time with Hon. Henry S. Little, in his native town. While 
engaged in the study of law he devoted much of his time in acquiring knowledge 
of a historical and literary character, particularly connected with the profes- 
sion of the law. 

He was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of New Jersey, June, 
1853, and immediately settled in Aliddletown Point, where he soon acc|uired 
an excellent practice and reputation, his industry and ability being early mark- 
ed. In the spring of 1855, he moved to Freehold, the county seat of Mon- 
mouth county, where he immediately took high rank as a sound and skillful 
lawyer and advocate. His closeness of study and professional application were 
proininent traits in his character, and his advance at the bar was so rapid that in 
March. 1865, while only thirty-four years of age. he was nominated by Gover- 
nor Parker, and confirmed by the .Senate as a Justice of the Supreme Court of 
the State to succeed Hon. Elias B. D. Ogden, one of New Jersey's distinguished 
judges, who had lately died. 

The circuits of Judge Ogden were in the northern part of the State, em- 
bracing the counties of Hudson, Bergen and Passaic, and to these Judge Bedle 
succeeded. The business of these circuits was heavy, and a change of resi- 
dence for convenience, became necessary. For that reason he moved to Jersey 
City, where he resided until his death. The judicial career of Judge Bedle 
covered about ten years, during which time, in the Supreme Court and the 
Court of Errors and Appeals and at the circuits, he gained a high reputation 
for a most faithful, intelligent and just administration of the duties of his office. 
He had strong common sense, a clear knowledge of the law. a fearless integ- 
rity, and in the trial of jury cases his judicial cjtialities were ])re-eminent. His 
prominence upon the bench and satisfactory performance of his duties natur- 
ally drew the attention of the public towards him, and in such a way that while 
he was upon a second term, having been reappointed judge, there grew up a 
strong disposition to elect him Governor. The county was then verv much 
depressed, and the times were hard, and there was a tendency in the minds of 
the people to select an executive who had been out of the arena of politics. .Al- 
though Judge Bedle had always been a Democrat, yet no partisanship had been 
shown on the bench, and he was looked upon as able to satisfy their demands. 
The Democratic convention nominated him for Governor in the fall of 1874, and 
he was elected by the large majority of thirteen thousand two hundred and thirty- 
three, over a very popular competitor. Previous to his nomination he publicly 
announced, in answer to a letter addressed to him upon the suljject. that he was 
not a candidate, and although if nominated would not decline, yet he would take 
no part in the campaign, but w-ould continue to perform the duties of his office 
as usual, making no personal effort whatever for his election, and that if the 
people determined he should serve them as Governor, he would then resign his 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 245 

office of judge and obey their will. He strictly carried out his purpose with- 
out swerving, and was elected to the office of Governor untrammeled and with- 
out any entanglements. 

No person could have entered upon the office of Governor with more in- 
dependence then he did. He was inaugurated January 19, 1875, ^"^ served 
the constitutional term of three years. A writer in a biography of the Gov- 
•ernor says: "Most unmistakably was he called to his honorable post bv the 
popular voice, whose expectations were in no sense disappointed. His admin- 
istration from the first was marked by ability, prudence and a patriotism in- 
spired by an earnest desire for the public welfare. By his statesmanlike views 
and noble aims he firmly intrenched himself in the respect and regard of the com- 
tnunity." He took an active part in behalf of the State in promoting the suc- 
cess of the great centennial in Philadelphia in 1876, and much of the honor of the 
State in that exhibition was due to him. During his term occurred the famous 
riots of 1877. His management at that time, both of the civil and military 
power of the State, showed a judgment and prudence of the highest type, and 
resulted in the complete preservation of the peace of the State and the opening 
of the great lines of travel therein. As Governor he was always a foe to ex- 
travagance and fraud, and his administration was wise and pure and economical. 

Upon his retirement from office in January, 1878, he resumed in Jersey City, 
the practice of law, and from that time on was actively ene-ae-ed therein. At 
the close of his term as Governor lie declined to return to the bench, although 
then offered a reappointment, preferring to pursue his profession while in health 
and vigor, and in the full maturity of middle age. His success as a practitioner 
justified his conclusion, and no lawyer in the State had more important mat- 
ters in his hands then he, in all branches of the law. 

It has been said of him: "As a judge on the bench, as a Governor of the 
State, in his practice at the bar, and in his deportment as a citizen, the weight 
of e.xalted character was always conspicuous on his side of the scales." The 
same writer also says: "Judge Bedle is an instance of a man who, at a com- 
paratively early age, achieves the highest honors of his State, apparently without 
having passed through any of the highways and byways of the politician. Such 
instances in these days are so rare that they must be set down as exceptional 
in the history of politics in this or any other country. His progress to the high 
positions he has occupied has been quiet, dignified, and, we may say, almost 
noiseless. We at no time find him ]nishing himself into any of the high places 
Tie has occupied. A most worthy example surel}-, and one which we gen- 
erally have to seek for in the passed and better times of the republic." 

From the time of his return to the bar until his deatn, he was constantly 
engaged in the conduct of the heaviest causes pending during that time in the 
State, notably among which may be mentioned those of the arbitration between 
the State and the Morris and Essex Railroad Company, the litigation between 
the Xew Jersey Junction and the National Docks Railway Company, and the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and the proceedings for contempt against tlie 
late Governor Price, all of which created much interest, and in all of which he 
was eminently successful. \\'ith the exception of giving advice and making 
occasional addresses during important campaigns, and the memorable struggle 
which resulted in the defeat of the late (Jovernor .\bbett for the jjorition of 



246 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

United States Senator in 1887, in which he was a most potent, and it may 
safely be said the controlling factor, he took little part in politics during that 
time. He entered into that light openly and with all the energy that he pos- 
sessed. 

After his retirement from the Governorship he was three times offered po- 
sitions on the bench, all of which he felt constrained to refuse. The President 
of the United States made several tempting offers to him, among which were 
the Russian and Australian missions, but these he declined, and passed the resi- 
due of his days in private life. 

During the last year of his life he accepted a position on the Constitutional 
Commission, which was his last public service. That commission concluded 
its labors only a few weeks before his death. 

Judge Bedle's manners were affable and kind, yet he was a man of strong 
decision of character and unflagging business energy. None knew him but 
to love him; all respected him. During the last summer he was conscious 
of illness, but attributed it to overwork, and for that reason took his annual 
vacation in July, a month earlier than usual, but without preceptible benefit. 
On his return he sought medical advice, and for the first time the fact was de- 
veloped that he was suffering from an aggravated case of stone in the bladder. 
He at once put himself under the care of the most eminent physicians obtainable, 
but too late. He died on October 21st, 1894, in the prime of life, in the midst of 
his usefulness. 

His accomplished wife, Althea A. Randolph, daughter of the late Judge 
Bennington F. Randolph, and five children survive him. Tliey are Bennington 
R. Bedle, at present consul to Shetitield, England, Joseph D. Bedle and Thomas 
F. Bedle, who, with Flavel McGee, Esq., were his law partners; Althea R. 
Rusch, wife of Adolph Rusch, of New York City, and Randolph Bedle. 

For a number of years he was a ruling elder of the First Presbyterian 
church of Jersey City, which office he held at the time of his death. As such he 
was elected a delegate to the Presbyterian General Assembly at Washington, 
where the famous trial of Dr. Briggs for heresy was held, but pressing engage- 
ments prevented him from accepting that appointment. 

In the business world he was hardly less prominent than in his profession. 
At the time of his death he was a member of the directories of a number of 
prominent corporations. 

It may safely be said that no man at the bar of the State has ever had the 
respect of his brethren or the aft'ections of his people to a greater extent than he. 
He was a man much loved for his hearty, genial ways, wliich were but the natural 
expression of a heart that was full of love for his fellow men. His tenacity of 
purpose and his devotion to any cause he espoused, knew no bounds save 
those of honor. 



GEORGE BEASTELL JENKINSON 

Was born .\ugnst 18th, 1828, in the ancient town of Arklow, sea-port and market 
town of the county of Wicklow, Ireland. This town, situated about fiftv miles 




GEORGE B. JENKINSON 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 247 

from the metropolis of Dublin, was among the strongholds of Protestantism dur- 
mg the days of religious and political turmoil which marked the Cromwellian 
period. This the ruins of the ancient castle of the Ormondis, demolished in 
1869, still attest, although the last trace of the once famous Monastery, founded 
by Fitz Walter, another historic land mark, has long since passed away. En- 
vironment and ancestry cannot fail in their effect upon man's life. Born of 
Protestant ancestors, who had, in earlier generations witnessed, and undoubtedly 
taken part in the struggle for religious and political freedom during these troub- 
lous times, we may well suppose the subject of this sketch, in some measure, in- 
herited the strength of character, earnestness of purpose and sterling integrity, 
which marked the life of his ancestors. Incident to the financial embarrass- 
ments of 1846 and '47, Air. Jenkinson came, when in his nineteenth year, with 
his parents, to America. The family reached Montreal in March of 1847, ^'id 
the young man who had received a common school education at home, at once 
set himself about preparing for a business life, to which end he spent three years 
in a trunk factory, for the purpose of learning the trade. In this day, when the 
work of every industr}- is lightened by modern invention and appliance, we 
do not, perhaps, realize the drudgery and the patience necessary for the ecpiipment 
of the skilled worker of fifty years ago. Having acquired a thorough knowl- 
edge of his trade, Mr. Jenkinson sought an opening where this knowledge would 
be of the greatest advantage. To this end locating himself in Newark, New 
Jersey, he at once entered into business relations with the firm of Peddie & 
Morrison, which firm was, perhaps, then better known throughout the country 
than any other. A stranger to his employers, to whom his manly bearing and 
pleasing address were taken as credentials, he soon became known and valued, 
and rapidly worked his way through the various departments of the large concern, 
until in 1872, he became a full partner in the business undertaking, to whose 
interests he had been unwaveringly faithful, and with which he was connected, 
from his entrance into business in 1850, until his death in 1896. Mr. Jenkin- 
son identified himself closely with the interests of the city of his chosen abode, 
yet, although he was frequently urged to accept public ofifice he preferred the 
life of a quiet citizen to that of an official, in city or state. Without his knowl- 
edge or consent he was, in 1875, appointed by the Common Council, to till a 
vacancy in the Board of Education. As one interested in the young, and as a firm 
believer in public schools, he consented to hold the office, with which he was 
entrusted. At the expiration of the term of his appointment he became the 
choice of the people, for the position which he held for many years. He was 
greatly interested in the founding of the Technical School, and was. from its 
establishment, a liberal contrilnitor to it. In 1878 he was sent, bv Governor 
McClellan to France, as one of the Commissioners for the State of New Jersey 
to the Paris Exhibition, to look after the interests of the manufacturies of that 
state. Mr. Jenkinson was a member of the Board of Trade of the City of New- 
ark, from its organization, in 1868. and its president for the years 1879 and 1880. 
He belonged, also, to the Board of Managers of the State Asylum for tlic Insane, 
was a prominent member of the State .Agricultural Society, and a director of tlie 
Peoples' Life Insurance Company. He was, also, president of the Newark 
Electric Light and Power Company. In all of these positions of trust he served 
faitlifully, in wisdom and lionor. In politics Air. Jenkinson was an unswerving 



248 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Republican: in his church relations a member of the High Street Presbyterian 
church. He was a man of liberality, simple in taste, and unaffected by pros- 
perity, a true friend and a pleasant companion. He was a member of St. John's 
Lodge of Free Alasons, and of the Republican Club. Of social organiza- 
tions he belonged to the Essex Club, and the Orange Country Club. Mr. 
Jenkinson married, on June 12, 1850, in Montreal, Jane, second daughter of the 
late Nathaniel Stringer and Jane Steacy his wife. 

Three sons and five daughters are living of the family of Mr. and Airs. 
Jenkinson. His eldest son, Richard C, has been chosen to fill many of the 
positions of trust and responsibility formerly occupied by his honored father. 
Of the other sons, George B. is head and Henry Lang treasurer of the firm of 
T. B. Peddle & Co., with which their father was so long connected. Mr. Jen- 
kinson will be remembered as an honest man, a good citizen, just and kindly 
in his relations w-ith his fellow men, and faithful in his duties to his Creator. 



WILLIAM RANKIN WARD 

Was the son of Dr. Isaac Moreau Ward and Mary Rankin, daughter of Wil- 
liam Rankin, of Newark, New Jersey. His father. Dr. Ward, a native of Bloom- 
field, New Jersey, was graduated from Yale College in 1825, and received his 
degree of M. D. in 1829. Soon after he established himself as a practitioner 
in Newark, but in 1841 removed to Albany, New York, and in Albany, Novem- 
ber 5th, 1843, his son William Rankin was born. William R. Ward received 
his early education at the school of Dr. David Pierson, of Elizabeth, and later 
pursued his studies at New Haven. While Dr. I. M. Ward, his father, resided 
in Albany he became accjuainted with the well-known horticulturist, John Wil- 
son, and much interested in the study of horticulture, and several years after, the 
failure of his health obliged him to rest from the labors of his profession, he 
purchased a tract of land lying between Newark and Elizabeth, at Lyons Farms, 
where he planted extensive orchards, and cultivated small fruits. His son, 
William, with the enthusiasm and energy that characterized him, entered into 
these pursuits, and followed them with an untiring zeal, an unflagging interest, 
and an increasing delight, year after year, in the studies connected with the 
calling which he had chosen. About thirty years ago Mr. Ward purchased his 
"Home" place where he also conducted his horticultural labors, and where he 
resided until his death. During these years he held many offices of trust, and 
confidence in him was never misplaced. For many years he served upon the 
local Board of Education, for nearly a score of years was a member of the town- 
ship committee of Clinton, and for three successive terms a member of the Board 
of Chosen Freeholders of Essex county. The New Jersey Horticultural So- 
ciety was organized in the college building at New Brunswick, August 17th, 
1875. with thirty-five members. William R. \\'ard was one of this number, 
and for several years served as president or secretary of this Society. He was 
also a member of the State Board of .\griculture, serving for two successive 
terms as vice-president, and was treasurer of the board at the time of his death. 
In June, 1892, at a joint conference of the State Board of Agriculture and Hor- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



249 



ticiiltural Society, he was selected to take charge of New Jersey's horticultural 
exhibit at the World's Columbian Exposition. To this work he gave his char- 
acteristic energy, and the results of his labors were eminently successful. In 
1885, the Governor appointed him a member of the Board of Visitors of the 
State Experiment Station and State Agricultural College. In this connection 
he became intimately associated with Prof. George H. Cook, and at his decease, 
in 1889, succeeded him as secretary of the board, which position he held the 




\VIL1,I.\M RANKI.X \V.\KD 



remainder of his life. With the Presbyterian church at Lyons Farms he was 
actively connected. ' For thirt\-four years a trustee and Sabbath-school worker, 
as teacher or superintendent, and for many years an elder. In every position 
of trust he was discreet, faithful and earnest. To the poor and sick he ex- 
tended heartfelt sympathy, and a helping hand, and in every way gave expression 
to the purpose of his life, which was to benefit the community where he resided 
nearly tiftv years. In 1868, William Rankin Ward was married to Mary 
R., daughter of Henry Meeker, of W'averly, New Jersey. The ancestors of 
Henrv Meeker in this country are traced back to William Meeker who was 
registered at New Haven, Connecticut, in 1644, and who, with his sons Joseph 



250 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



and Benjamin, are recorded among the associates who purchased the site of the 
town of EHzabeth from the Indians at that date, 1644. Henry Meeker's grand- 
father, Obadiah Meeker, served through the Revohitionar)- War as a captain of 
cavalrj', and was a brave soldier and zealous patriot. The record of Mr. 
Ward's life is written upon the hearts of those he loved, and those for whom he 
labored. ".Let no man live for himself," was his motto, and in all his efforts 
to benefit his fellow men he was zealous, efficient and persevering. "Spent, 
my work is done," he said, and January 3d. 1897, after a long and painful illness, 
borne with unmurmuring Christian courage, he peacefully fell asleep. His only 
surviving child is his son, Dr. William Rankin Ward, of Lyons Farms, New 
Jersey. 



JOSEPH BEERS WARD 



Was born July 22d, 1833. in the City of Newark. He was the oldest son of the 
late Dr. Isaac M. Ward, then a young physician, and his wife Mary Ogden, 




JOSEPH HEERS WWRI). 




ISAAC N. QUIMBY 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 251 

daughter of William Rankin. His father had been in Newark about two years, 
coming from Bloomtield, his native town, where he had been associated in the 
practice of medicine with an uncle, Dr. E. D. Ward. The family had been early 
settlers in Bloonifield, and always active in enterprises which advanced morality 
and religion. The grandfather, Joseph Smith Ward, was married to Lucy 
Dodd, a pious kind-hearted woman, who, with her husband, endeavored to bring 
up their children to be good citizens. The birth inheritance of Dr. Joseph B. 
Ward lost nothing on his mother's side. The sturdy Scotch stock of William 
Rankin was hers, and was expressed in her long life of vigorous thought and de- 
cided action. As the interests of the father's professional career called for 
change of residence, Joseph was educated in private schools in Newark, Bloom- 
field, Albany, and later in Oberlin, Ohio, and Brown LTniversity, succeeded by 
a musical education in Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1857. For a term 
of years he practiced medicine in Brooklyn and Newark, and for a time held a 
professor's chair in the Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri, located in 
St. Louis. 

During the Civil War he was Assistant Surgeon of the nth Regiment of 
New York. Since his retirement from practice Dr. Ward has given his attention 
to agricultural and horticultural pursuits. For many years, in connection with 
his late brother William, he carried on an extensive fruit industry. He has 
been chairman of the executive committee of the State Horticultural Society, 
and for the last two years its president, and vice-president of the State Tuljer- 
culosis Commission, and one of the executive committee of the State Board of 
Agriculture. 

By his voice and pen he has tried to educate and stimulate his brother farm- 
ers of-the State, to a higher estimate of their noble calling. His influence has 
also been felt at his own home. For many years he has been a school trustee, 
and has looked/ after the education of the young, while as a church trustee and 
Sabbath-school teacher he has also borne his part. 



ISAAC N. QUIMBY, M. D., 



Born in Bernardsville, New Jersey, in 1831, died in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 
1898, was the son of Rachel Stout and Nicholas Emmons Quimby. His father, 
who served in the War of 1812, was a farmer, and great-grandson of Judge Em- 
mons, a judge in the Supreme Court of New Jersey. His mother was from an 
old New Jersey family. Both his grandparents were patriotic soldiers in the 
Revolutionary War. 

Dr. Quimby lost both parents in early life. He commenced work on a 
farm, later learned the trade of a miller, and at nineteen years of age went to 
Zanesville, fJhio, where, becoming interested in medicine, he determined to be a 
physician. Taking a preparatory course at Chester Collegiate Institute, New 
Jersey, in which he ranked high as a student he, in 1856, entered the Cniversity 
Medical College of New York, and was graduated second in his class, with a 
special certificate of honor in 1859. 



252 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

At the breaking out of the Civil War, Ur. Quimb}' entered the army as a 
volunteer surgeon ; served in the swamps of the Chickahominy, in the seven- 
<lays' battle, and "change of base" to the James River, and the retreat to Har- 
rison's Landing; was at Antietam and remained with his division until after the 
battles of the Wilderness, when, compelled by illness, he returned home, and, 
upon recovery, resumed the practice of medicine, in which he continued up to his 
death. 

In 1866-68, Dr. Ouimby was lecturer in the spring course of the University 
Medical College, New Y^ork, and also assistant to Professor A. C. Post in his 
surgical clinic at the same institution. He was the originator of the Hudson 
•county, now Christ's Hospital, in 1868, and was surgeon to the same until 1873; 
he was also one of the attending surgeons of the City Hospital, Jersey City. 

Dr. Quimby was a member of the American Medical Association, and of its 
judicial council; one of the founders and the first chairman of the section of 
Medical Jurisprudence of that association; was a member of the Hudson County 
District Medical Society; of the American Public Health Association; of the 
Medico-Legal Society of New Y^ork; of the New Y'ork Society of Jurisprudence 
and State Medicine: of the Mississippi \'alley Medical Association; honorary 
member of the Gynecological Society of Boston; of the British Medical Associa- 
tion; of the American Association for the Cure of Inebriety, and vice-president 
of this association at the time of his death. He was a delegate from the Ameri- 
can Medical Association to the International Medical Congress, London, 1881, 
and again in 1884, in Copenhagen, and in 1894 at Rome, Italy. He was a mem- 
ber of the first Pan-American Medical Congress, which met at Washington, D. 
C, in September, 1893. 

Dr. Ouimby devised several important improvements in surgical oi^erations; 
detailing his methods in various publications in the transactions of the American 
Medical Association, \'ols. XIX, XXI, XXXI, notably, "A New Mode of Treat- 
ment of Congenital Talipes;" "A New Method of Amputation of the Ankle- 
joint;" "A Case of Compound Fracture of the Tibia and Fibula," and "The 
Criminal Use of Chloroform." 

His address before the World's Temperance Congress at Chicago, in 1893, 
was in pursuance of his life-long interest in and advocacy of temperance. He 
Avas one of the founders of the American Medical Temperance Association, of 
which he was vice-president. His paper on the "Pathological' Action of Alcohol 
in Health and Disease," read before the New Jersey Temperance Alliance, was 
printed by that Society in a large pamphlet edition and circulated throughout the 
State. So strong and influential was his advocacy of temperance that he was nom- 
inated for Governor by the Prohibitionists of New Jersey, but declined the honor. 

Dr. Ouimby was twice married; in 1863 to Helen Stark, daughter of the 
late Thomas McKie, a retired merchant of New Y^ork City. Her death oc- 
curred in 1868, leaving one child, Alfred Charles Post Quimby. A second 
marriage in 1875 '^'^'^s to Frances H., daughter of the late James Fleming, of 
Jersey City. One son, Isaac Newton Ouimby. Jr., was the issue of this mar- 
riage. 



«3^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 253^ 

FREDERICK GORDON BURNHAM, 

A resident of Alorristown, New Jersey, and a prominent attorney of Newark, is 
the only living son of Gordon and Marcia (Condict) Burnhani, and is a descen- 
dant on his father's side from ancestors who settled at Ipswich, Massa- 
chusetts, about 1635. His maternal great-great-grandfather, Jonathan Dick- 
inson, who married a grand-daughter of Alelyn. the patroon of Staten Island, 
was the founder and first president of Princeton College. The Condicts were 
among the first settlers of Morris count>-. New Jersey, and large land owners 
there, buying from the Indians. 

The old Condict homestead, now known as the Burnham place, is occupied 
by Airs. Byron Sliernian, sister of .Mr. Burnham. His maternal grandfather was 
Judge Silas Condict, of Morris county, who was distinguished through a long 
life for sterling integrity and great financial ability, and whose father. Col. 
Ebenezer Condict, was a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary army, and 
died while encamped at Morristown. 

His paternal great-grandfather was a soldier in the French and Indian wars. 
On his mother's side he is also descended, in a direct line, from John Alden of 
the Pilgrim Fathers. 

His father, Gordon Burnham, was for many years a large wholesale mer- 
chant in New York City, but removed his family in 1840 to Morristown, New 
Jersey, and died on the homestead in August, 1881, his mother soon following, 
dying in 1884. Of the three children of Mr. Gordon Burnham, one died in in- 
fancy, the other two, Mrs. Byron Sherman and Frederick G. Burnham, reside 
in Alorristown. Air. Burnhani was born in New York City, June 29, 183 1, 
prepared for college at the Alorristown Academy in 1847, entered the Fresh- 
man class of New York University and graduated as A. B. in 1851. His alma 
mater conferred the degree of 'A. AI. upon him in 1854. He was president of 
the various organizations in his class after he reached his senior year, was a 
thorough student and active in all debates and literary matters. In 185 1 he began 
his legal studies in the office of Barney, Humphrey & Butler, then one of the largest 
and foremost law firms in New York City, and in 1853-54 attended Harvard Law 
School. He was admitted to the New York bar as an attorney and counsellor 
in 1853, and the next year entered upon active practice in that city, where he 
conducted a large and successful business until 1864, when his health failing, he 
was obliged to seek relief in travel. In 1858 he became a partner of John Yan 
Buren, formerly Attornev-General of New York, and one of the most prominent 
barristers and orators in that state. The firm of Van Buren & Burnham remained 
in active business until the latter's retirement from it, owing to severe illness in 
1864. 

Air. Burnham traveled for four years, and having fully regained his health 
was admitted as an attorney in New Jersey in February, 1868. The same year 
he settled in Alorristown, where he has since resided, and was appointed one 
of the counsel of the Alutual Life Insurance Company of New York for New- 
Jersey. In 1880 he became the sole counsel for that corporation in New Jersey, 
which position he has since held. On assuining these duties he removed his 
office to Newark, in order to get closer to the courts. He was admitted to the 
bar as counsellor in 1871. 



254 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Mr. liurnhani has largely confined his attention to the nnnierous legal <iues- 
tious arising from the complex business affairs of the corporation of which he 
has been counsel for so long a time. For many years he has been the general 
counsel of the Board of Church Erection of the Presbyterian church for the 
United States, and in this capacity has examined and passed upon every land 
title in which that body has been interested. For fifteen years past he has also 
been the vice-president of the board. These and similar connections have long 
made him prominent in the Presbyterian circles of Xew Jersey. He has also 
been for many years the counsel for a large number of charitable and religious 
organizations, for which he has successfully conducted many important will cases. 

In 1886 he founded what at one time was called the Eiurnham Industrial 
Farm, near Canaan, Columbia count}-, Xew York, but is now known as the 
Berkshire Industrial Farm, and donated a property of 600 acres with appro- 
priate buildings for the purposes of that institution. This charity has received 
many substantial marks of Mr. P>urnham"s fostering care and abiding interest. 
He was for several years its president. 

In politics ;Mr. Burnham has always been an active and a staunch Republi- 
can, but has never accepted public office. For several years he was chair- 
man of the Morris County Republican Committee. During the War of the 
Rebellion he received the appointment as aide, with the rank of Major, on the 
staff of Governor Morgan, of Xew York, but was obliged to resign on account 
of ill health. 

Mr. Burnham was niarriefl .\pril 20, 1859, to Miss Catherine L. Hil- 
liard, daughter of Judge Francis Hilliard, a prominent jurist and writer of legal 
treaties, of Roxl)urv, Massachusetts. Thev have one daughter, Anna \\". 



SAMUEL AUSTIN BESSON, 

Ex-Corporation Counsel of Hoboken, and member of the law firiu of Besson, 
Stevens & Lewis, belongs to one of the oldest families in Xew Jersey, and one 
of the best; the Huguenots of the name who settled in the State so far back 
as 1730, being of that industrious and religious nature so characteristic of the 
French "■Reformers,"' who comprised among their members and sects much of 
the highest elements in the French nation : and who. after many long years of 
internecine strife with their religious opponents, left France for the western 
world and peopled our shores from Xew England to Florida with desirable enii- 
igrant pioneers. 

Many of the descendants of the first Huguenot settlers in Xew Jersey re- 
moved to other parts. — going to Xew York and becoming prominent in the 
professional and business world of the metropolis. The ancestors of Samuel 
A. Besson so divided, but his father continued on or near the old homestead, 
where members of the family still have their home, and are among the well- 
known and well-to-do citizens of Hunterdon county. Going back to early times, 
his great-great-grandfather on the paternal side was Francois Besson, one of 
the first settlers of Hunterdon county. His son John, was an ensign in the 
Revolutionar\ arnn- under Washington. He served through the war. was 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



255 



honorably discharged and died on the ancestral homestead at an advanced age. 
His son John married Rachel Traut, of Amwell township, Hunterdon county. 
Soon after this marriage they settled on a farm in Alexandria township, where 
they reared a family of twelve children — seven sons and five daughters. Four of 
the sons, John, Jacob, Jeremiah and Theodore, left home at an early age, and 
making the City of New York their residence, engaged in mercantile pursuits. 
The remaining three, Samuel, George and William, were farmers, and remained 
in their native town. William, in the year 1835' married Margaret A., daughter 
of Godfrey and Elizabeth Case. To this union were born nine children, four 
of whom died in infancy. The death of a daughter, Hannah, occurred after 
a short illness in September, 1868. The mother, Alargaret A., died at nearly 




SAMUEL AUSTIN BESSOX. 

the same time. Both were buried on the same day in the church yard at Mount 
Pleasant. William Besson remained active and vigorous at the age of eighty- 
six years, still residing on the farm at Everettstown, Hunterdon county, which 
he purchased in the year 1851, until his death, which occurred in January, 1894. 
His two daughters living — Mary Elizabeth and Catherine Frances — reside at 
Frenchtown, New Jersey, which latter place was founded by one, Paul Prevost, 
who had been a fiscal officer of the French King. His two sons are John C. and 
Samuel Austin, lawyers of Hoboken. New Jersey. 

The foregoing family history is taken from a sketch of the late John C. 
Besson (in Everets & Peck's History of Hudson and Essex Counties), who was 
a noted lawyer and a brotiier of the subject of this sketch. He was Corporation 
Attorney of Hoboken for six terms, during which the city was a party in many 
important suits. He was also the author of a law book of precedents, for prac- 



256 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



tice in his native State: ijesides being counsel fnr the Hoboken Land & Im- 
provement Company, the First National Bank of Hoboken, the North Hudson 
County Railway Company, and other interests. 

Mr. S. A. Besson was partner with the deceased and continues in his prac- 
tice as one of the counsel of the Hoboken Land & Improvement Company, and 
with other important clientage. After his preliminary schooling young Bes- 
son began his higher studies at Lafayette College. Easton, Pennsylvania, in 
1872, and graduated in 1876. .After leaving college he taught school at Phil- 
lipsbiirg. New Jersew until March, 1877, when he came to Hoboken and began 
the study of law in the office of his elder brother: he subsequently continued 
his preparatory studies in the office of S. C. T. Dodd, the Standard Oil Com- 




I:)||\ (■. UliSSOX. 



pany's attorney. Two of Mr. Benson's college classmates were attending the 
law department of Columbia Colltpe at this time and ,\lr. Besson studied with 
them in a sort of "night school" arrangement that practically amounted to a 
course in the famous college. The ambition and steadfastness of purpose 
evinced in this course of studv shows that our subject has true .American grit. 
He was admitted to the bar of New Jersey as an attorney in the summer of 1879, 
Chief Justice Beasley then presiding over the Supreme Court of New Jersey, and 
Governor George B McClellan signed his commiision or license. He began to 
take an active interest in politics, and in 1882 was appointed Corporation At- 
torney of Hoboken, as a Republican, in which respect he differed from his broth- 
er John C, a liberal Democrat, with whom he formed a law partnership in 1883, 
having been admitted as counsellor at law during the year previous. 

In October, 1886, Mr. Besson was appointed Special Master in Chancery 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 257 

by Chancellor JMcGill. He has been counsel in a number of important cases, 
among which the cases of Ingelregtsen's Administratrix vs. The Nord Deutscher 
Lloyd Steamship Co., an accident case, and some cases which concerned the 
most delicate questions of domestic life, and enabled him to display great learn- 
ing, skill and ability in conducting cases in these departments of the law, in which 
he succeeded in bringing to the attention of the courts a number of novel 
points of law, which, in some instances, caused a complete reversal of the 
opinions of the judges and won hjs clients substantial victories. 

Socially and politically Mr. Besson is a member of Columbia Club, Ho- 
boken, the foremost social organization, of which he was one of the two original', 
founders, and one of the first trustees. He is an enthusiastic wheelman, and: 
one of the Board of Governors of the Castle Point Cvclers and one of 
the Executive Committee of the Hudson County Good Roads Associa- 
tion. Hs is an active Republican in politics, and a member of the Hudson 
County Republican Committee, also of the city and ward committees. He is 
also a member of Euclid Lodge, F. & A. M., and furthermore is a ruling elder 
in the First Presbyterian church of Hoboken, which speaks much of itself for 
the character and good deeds of this subject, who is one of the most kindly of 
men, and resembles his deceased brother, who had many friends to mourn his . 
death. 

The law firm of Besson, Stevens & Lewis, is one of the first and most im-- 
portant in Hudson county. 

On the loth day of November, 1881, Mr. Besson was happily married toi 
Miss Arabella Roseberry, the estimable daughter of Joseph M. Roseberry, now 
deceased, late of Belvidere, New Jersey. 

They are the parents of two children, named respectively Henrietta Besson 
and John Harlan Besson. 

With whatever concerns the legal, social and moral welfare of Hoboken, 
Mr. Besson is in hearty sympathy; and his citizenship and personal deportment 
are in every way exemplary and worthy of emulation. 



HON. WILLIAM D. DALY, 

A distinguished lawyer by profession and a member of Congress from the Seventh- 
Congressional District of New Jersey, was born in Jersey City on June 4, 1851, 
and has lived in Hudson county all his life. He is a self-made man in the 
truest sense of that term. In his boyhood he attended public school No. i of 
Jersey City, and at the age of fourteen years began an apprenticeship at the 
trade of iron moulder with Czal Cory, whose foundry was at the foot of Green 
street in Jersey Citv. He continued at the trade until his nineteenth year, work- 
ing in the Erie Foundrv and the Blackmore Foundry on Railroad avenue. Al- 
though he mastered his trade and became an expert moulder, young Daly always 
had in view a professional career, the legal profession being the height of his 
desire, was his one absorbing ambition of attainment. When the great Erie 
Railroad strike occurred in 1870, he obeyed the command of the Iron Moulders' 
17 



258 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Union and struck with the others of his craft. This step on his part was a 
providential one for it threw him out of employment, and in time he began to 
look for an opening where his youthful hope, so long deferred, might have a 
chance of fulfillment. He obtained a place in the office of S. R Ransom, Esq., 
a well-known lawyer of Jersey City, whose partner was Honorable John A. 
Blair, now County Judge of Hudson countyi These two gentlemen were able 
preceptors for the young iron moulder, and the interest they took in him, to- 
gether with the eagerness he displayed to advance himself and gain him a thor- 
ough knowledge of law, advanced him so rapidly that in Alay, 1871, he was ad- 
mitted as an attorney, and in June, 1874, as counsellor. Mr. Daly made rapid 
progress in his practice, and it was not many years before his success placed him 
in the front ranks of the leading members of the Hudson county bar. Par- 
ticularly has he been successful in the defense of criminal cases, having handled 
more important trials in this line of practice than any other one attorney in Hud- 
son county, and the success thus won has distinguished him as one of, if not 
the most successful criminal lawyer at the bar of New Jersey. He has been 
council for the Hudson County Liquor Dealers' Association for years. 

Mr. Daly has been identified with the Democratic party all his life, and has 
cast his vote for every candidate of his party for President since and including 
the national campaign of 1872. He has been active on the stump for years, 
and has done valued work for his party. He has frequently been honored 
with election to important offices, in all of which he has distinguished himself. 
He was the Democratic leader of the House of the New Jersey Assembly in 
1891. He has been a member of the New Jersey State Senate six years, five of 
which he was the recognized leader of his party in that body, and during five 
of which he was a member of the Judiciary Committee. And at the time of 
the revision of the Criminal Code, the crime and criminal procedure act passed 
through his hands while in the hands of the committee, all the details of the 
bill having been left to him by the committee. In 1891 he was appointed Dis- 
trict Judge of Hoboken by Governor Abbett, which position he resigned on 
January i. 1893, to take his seat in the State Senate. During the Cleveland ad- 
ministration he was appointed Assistant Cnited States District Attorney. In 
1899 he was elected to the National Congress, in which body he is prominent 
on the Democratic side, and is a member of the Committee of Merchant Marine 
and Fisheries. He was a delegate to the Democratic Xational Convention of 
St. Louis in 1888, and again to the Chicago Convention in 1896, where he sup- 
ported Mr. Bryan, believing that he best represented the interests of the Dem- 
ocratic party and the people. Mr. Daly has been prominently mentioned as the 
Democratic nominee for (iovernor of New Jersey, and a very large part of the 
organization have urged him to accept the nomination for several years. 

Mr. Daly is a member of the Rising Star Lodge, No. 109, F. & A. M., and 
also holds membership in Scotish Right Masonry, having attained the thirty- 
second degree. 

A writer, well acquainted with Congressman Daly, gives the following sum- 
mary of him in a recent sketch of his career: "With his first introduction to 
life as a law-maker, he made it patent to all who devote time and attention to 
matters legislative, that he possessed attributes of character that peculiarly fitted 
him for the place. He had not been a member of the House of Assembly two 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 259 

hours before the newspaper correspondents, who are the first to weigh a legis- 
lator's merits and demerits, had classed the man from Hoboken as among the 
best orators and debators on the floor. Time, and a short time at that, but 
served to justify convictions. Mr. Daly's quickness to perceive the motive be- 
hind an action, his ever ready tongue and his powers of repartee, made him a 
valuable advocate of a measure, and at the same time a dangerous man to have 
in opposition. His genialty and happy nature were always in evidence and 
even those who felt the shafts of his irony during debate, evinced strong feel- 
ings of personal friendship for him. When he entered the broader field of the 
Senate, Mr. Daly still retained his cheery disposition, continued to be the cham- 
pion of the people, as against corporations, and stood even firmer than ever 
as the friend of the wage-earner. He has espoused the cause of the working- 
man at every turn, resolutely fought monopolies, and could always be found in 
the breach to meet any attack on his party. His experience in the House has 
given him such an insight into the ways of law-makers, that he was almost thor- 
oughly equipped for the duties that confronted him as a member of the highest 
branch of the State Legislature. He had learned much and had profited ac- 
cordingly. Senator Daly's five-year record in the upper House is known to 
all Jerseymen. No man ever lived who could boast of a more honorable one. 
His career began auspiciously, and was soon tnarked by that splendor born of 
brilliancy and undaunted courage. This is but a slight general review of the 
man. Congressman Daly always refers with modest pride to his early strug- 
gles, and his associations with workingmen, as much as his love for those who 
earn their bread by the sweat of their brow, are accountable for the deep interest 
he has always manifested in the welfare of those who obtain a livelihood through 
the medium of manual labor. So well known is his record in this regard that to 
review it would be like repeating an oft-told story. The qualities that make 
Congressman Daly such a potent factor in legislative halls are many. His 
versatility is almost marvelous. Humor, pathos, satire and rock-bed argu- 
ments are his to command. His ability to ridicule hypocrisy and expose cant 
and false pretenses, was long ago demonstrated. The incisive words, the pene- 
trating intonations and the inexhaustible fund of facts that he seems to have 
always on hand, have caused him to be admired, feared or respected, as the 
case may be." 



DR. LIVINGSTON SPRAKER HINCKLEY, 

Medical Superintendent of the Essex County, New Jersey, system of Hospitals 
for the Insane, was born at Albany, New York, on August 28. 1855. He 
comes of most distinguished lineage on both his father's and his mother's side. 
His father. Dr. John Warren Hinckley, who for thirty years practiced medicine 
at Albany, was the son of John Hinckley, who married Eunice Warren, a grand- 
daughter of General Joseph Warren, the Revolutionary patriot and martyr hero, 
who gave his life for American liberty at Bunker Hill. The Hinckley family 
dates back to Samuel Hinckley, of Tenterden, county of Kent, England, who 
emigrated to the colonies in 1639 in the good ship "Hercules," of Sandwich, 



26o BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

and settled first at Scitiiate and next at Barnstable, Massachusetts. His son, 
Thomas, rose to be Deputy, (1645) ^lagistrate at Plymouth (1658-80) and 
Governor from 1681 to 1692. In his history of Cape Cod the Rev. Frank 
Freeman pays a handsome tribute to the e.xalted character and worth of Gov- 
ernor Hinckley. 

Dr. Hinckley's mother was ^laria Schuyler, who was born at S'acketts Har- 
bor, Xew York, on April 19, 1819, and was a direct descendant of John Schuyler, 
the father of the famous Revolutionary soldier and patriot. General Philip 
Schuyler, and was a lady of rare culture, refinement and decision of character. 
She married Dr. John Hinckley in July, 1838. She was the mother of six chil- 
dren, two of whom died in infancy, and two others lived to achieve eminence, 
one in music and the other, the subject of this sketch, in the medical profession. 
Mrs. Hinckley died at the residence of her son. Dr. Hincklev. in Newark, on 
March 6, 1889. 

Both Dr. Hinckley and his sister, Isabella, inherited musical talent from 
their father. Dr. John, who was an accomplished player of the flute. To do 
anything like justice to the career of Isabella, who shone in the mtisical heav- 
ens a generation ago, alike with the brilliancy and the evanescence of a meteor, 
would require pages of this work. .At the age of fourteen she charmed the 
congregations of two churches in Albany with her exquisite voice, which was an 
exceedingly beautiful soprano. After a course of vocal training under the di- 
rection of Dr. George William Warren, the accomplished organist of St. Thom- 
as' church, New York, she went to Florence, Italy, in 1857, and there studied 
under the famous teacher, Romani. She was accompanied to Italy by her 
mother, and her infant brother, Livingston, who yet lacked two months of being 
two years old, so that the first words he lisped were in the soft and beautifid 
Italian tongue. In Florence the Hinckleys remained three years. In 1859 
Isabella won the hearts of the mtisical public of Florence by a performance be- 
fore the Societie Philharmonique. Soon after she appeared in Norma at the 
Grand Opera House in Amsterdam, and captivated the cultured burghers of the 
famous Dutch capital by her finished and most artistic performance of the prin- 
cipal role in Bellini's magnificent masterpiece. She next appeared in Brussels 
and Frankfort, adding fresh laurels to her wreath. Returning to the United 
States, on January 26, 1861, she made her American debut at the Academy of 
Music, appearing in Lucia di Lammermoor, supported by Brignoli and Susini, 
the famous basso, whom she shortly afterwards married. Her triumph in the 
metropolis of the New World was most complete, and she was hailed as "The 
Jenny Lind of America." In Boston, Philadelphia and the cities of the West 
she repeated her brilliant New York success, her repertory including La Juive. 
Le Prophete, Don Giovanni, Lucretia Borgia, etc., and several oratories. Be- 
fore the expiration of a year after her marriage to Augustine Susini, who had 
been a captain in the Italian army, serving with distinction in the Italian-Austro 
campaign of 1859. the extraordinarily gifted American prima donna died. Thus 
was ended most untimely and abruptly a career that gave sure promise of re- 
flecting the very highest credit upon the lyric stage and upon the divine art in 
America. 

Upon the return of Mrs. Hinckley, then recently widowed, and her children 
from Italy they made their. home for a time in Jersey City, and subsequent!}' 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 261 

in New York. After a brief term in a private school Livingston was placed in 
the York Street Public School of the first named city, and when the family 
removed to New York, in the Thirteenth Street Grammar School. The cir- 
cumstances of the family being at this time rather straitened, owing to the death 
of the elder Hinckley and the large expense of Isabella's education, young 
Livingston was obliged at a very early age to lean upon himself, and in his 
seventeenth year he entered mercantile life. His ambition, however, was to 
follow in the footsteps of his father and enter the medical profession. To that 
end he devoted all the time his exacting regular duties allowed to preparatory 
studies in the line of his ambition. Happily his zeal and enthusiasm won for 
liim the active friendship of Dr. James L. Perry, of New York, who became 
both his benefactor and his preceptor. In 1874, after a year's course in the 
Bellevue Medical College, he matriculated. In 1878 he attained the object for 
which he had toiled so bravely and so persistently — his graduation. Indicative of 
the special branch of study destined to be his life work, his thesis was Puerperal 
Insanity. 

In April, 1878, Dr. Hinckley was appointed a junior assistant physician at 
the Blackwell's Island Lunatic Asylum, where there were about one thousand 
three hundred patients, all females. His devotion to his duties, no less than his 
steadily growing talents and skill, marked him for speedy advancement, and 
within a year and a half he was chosen senior assistant and soon after assistant 
superintendent under Dr. A. E. Macdonald. 

In 1881 he resigned his position at Blackwell's Island in order to take 
charge of a private hospital for all sorts of diseases, physical and mental, in East 
,39th street. Subsequently he took charge and conducted most successfully a 
sanitarium at Avon Springs, New York. This was in 1883. Learning that the 
authorities of Essex county. New Jrsey, desired a physician qualified to take 
charge of the county asylum for the insane, a position exactly in line with his 
desire, that of devoting himself entirely to the treatment of nervous and mental 
diseases, he applied for and secured the place. 

During the fifteen years Dr. Hinckley has been charged with the entire su- 
pervision and direction, lay and medical, of the Essex County Hospital for the 
Insane, the institution has made wonderful improvement along all the lines that 
go to make an efficient and well-appointed hospital for the care of the mentally 
diseased. Indeed, high authorities on the subject have described it as the model 
county hospital of the United States. In addition to the main hospital in New- 
ark, there has recently been erected at Overbrook, an ideal location in the 
country, ten miles distant, a splendidly equipped hospital structure, where are 
accommodated about half as many patients as are in the parent hospital, about 
one thousand in all. 

Such has been the efficiency, wisdom and excellence of Dr. Hinckley's ad- 
ministration that no matter which party has been in power neither the lust of 
patronage nor the reckless greed and selfishness of political partisanship has 
attempted to interfere with him or his management. 

The credit of establishing the first County Hospital Training School for 
Nurses belongs to Dr. Hinckley. The school thus established also ranks as 
the second of its kind ever established in the United States in connection with 
Hospitals for the Insane. 



262 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

In spite of his arduous duties involved in the constant care of more than one 
thousand more or less deranged and helpless people, Dr. Hinckley has kept 
himself abreast of the most advanced thought and practice in the treatment of 
the insane and of the sick and debilitated generally. Besides, he has prepared 
a number of papers for publication on subjects relating to his work: has been 
prominent in medical circles and associations of his city and state; was presi- 
dent of the Xewark, Xew Jersey, Medical and Surgical Societies in 1898; was 
president of the ^Vest End Club of Xewark for the years 1897-98, resigning be- 
cause of his increased hospital responsibilities; is a member of the American 
Medico-Psychological Association, the American ^Medical Society, the Prac- 
titioners' Club, and is affiliated with St. John's Lodge, Xo. i, A. F. and M., State 
of X'ew Jersey. 

He has been frequently called in the courts to give testimony as an expert 
on diseases of the brain, the bench and bar regarding him as a most sincere and 
conscientious witness, one not to be swerved or badgered from his position. 

Like his deceased highly-gifted sister, Isabella, Dr. Hinckley is also endowed 
•with marked musical talent, which finds expression in clever composition and 
in vocal, piano and violin performances that are a source of delight to his large 
circle of private friends. 

In 1890 Dr. Hinckley married Barbara Halber, and has issue one son, Liv- 
mgston S. Hinckley, Jr. 

The Doctor holds an honorable discharge from the Xational Guard of Xew 
Vork, having sen-ed his allotted time from 1874 to 1881, as a member of the 
Twent3-second Regiment. 

Among the notable institutions under the control of the County Board 
of Freeholders are the Essex County Hospitals for the Insane, the Home In- 
stitution on South Orange avenue and the Branch Hospital at \erona. Xew 
Jersey. 

The Essex County Hospital for the Insane began its existence in buildings 
erected for the purpose, now used as the old City Hospital, in 1872. 

The only state asylum at that time was the original one at Trenton. Xew 
Jersey. 

In 1871 the Board was notified that few if any more patients could be re- 
ceived on account of its over-crowded state. 

The second state asylum was in course of erection at Morris Plains, but 
could not be opened for patients at Trenton in three or four years thereafter. 
The county was then maintaining one hundred and ten patients at Trenton, and 
the problem of meeting with the demands of the gradually increasing number 
of the insane in the county was one which perplexed the Board to a degree that 
caused them to make the attempt to gain access to the asylum of neighboring 
states, even so far away as \'ermont. but were disappointed in every instance. 

The Committee on Lunacy of the Board in 1871 were Davis J. Confield, 
\Villiam M. Freeman, ^Villiam Gorman. Melancthon Smith and \Villiam Cad- 
mus. 

At a meeting of the Board held in January, 1872. this committee had before 
them a full report of their efforts and failures to find accommodations for the 
insane and urged prompt action in meeting with this serious condition of affairs. 

.A.t the February meeting they recommended the erection of suitable pa- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



263 



w 

T! 
X 

n 
y. 

c. 

c 

G 

z 



K 
O 

►o 

H 

> 

r 
o 






Z 

z 




264 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

villions on the property, covering about two acres, bounded by Camden, Fair- 
mont and Bank streets, and the appropriation of $15,600 was made by the board 
for this purpose. These pavilhons were opened for patients in August. 

Fifteen patients were transferred from Trenton and nineteen from the New- 
ark Alms House, who had been temporarily sheltered there. 

This primitive nucleus of the excellent hospitals for the insane, the county 
now maintains, was first officered by resident w^ardon and matron and visiting 
physician; these positions were filled by the selection of Major John Leonard, 
his wife and Dr. J. A. Cross, of New'ark. 

In 1873 the number of patients had increased to sixty; at the close of the 
final year of 1875, t'lere were one hundred and eleven; 1876, one hundred 
and fifty; 1877, one hundred and sixty; overcrowded. In 1879 a Committee 
on Site for a proposed new asylum was appointed, consisting of E. S. Renwick, 
J. D. Ponier, James Peck, D. S. Smith, John \'. Diefenthaeler and Elias O. 
Doremus. 

The committee reported favorably on the present site of nine acres on South 
Orange avenue, and the preliminary wings of this great edifice were erected, and 
opened for the reception of patients November 9th, 1884, and over three hun- 
dred patients were transferred to the new building. 

Owing to certain disclosures in the management of the asylum during the 
year, an investigation was made by the Grand Jury, of which Dr. Leslie D. Ward 
was foreman. The result of this investigation was a presentment urging a 
change from a management conducted by the layity, to one under an experi- 
enced professional man. This was acted on by a resolution of the Board of 
Freeholders, on motion of James E. Howell, wdio spoke at length on the ad- 
vantages of such an inovation in countv asvlums, at the September meeting 
in 1884. 

This was freely discussed and foimd favor among the majority of the Board 
during the October meeting. 

On November 15 the Board had before them three candidates for the office 
of Superintendent of the Essex County Asylum for the Insane, and on the third 
ballot Dr. L. S. Hinckley was elected. He came recommended by letters from 
eminent men in this field of work, such as A. E. MacDonald, present Superinten- 
dent of the Manhattan State Hospital, under whom he served, and the eminent 
Neurologist, Dr. Allan McLain Hamilton. Dr. Hinckley came fully equipped 
with the progressive ideas of the age, and at the age of twenty-nine years assumed 
■the Superintendency. 

His service for fifteen years has been marked by vast improvement in the 
management of the insane. He has won the confidence of the successive boards 
under whom he has served and has guided the matter of building as the neces- 
sities warranted. A wing was added in 1885, and another in 1891, completing 
the original plan of the building. 

In 1890 the Board changed the name of the asylum to hospital, in accord- 
ance with modern ideas. 

In 1896. at the close of the year, there were six hundred and eighty-seven 
patients, and the institution was greatl}- overcrowded. The Committee on 
County Hospitals, composed of Thomas McGowan, director; Thomas H. Rip- 
ley, C. A. Heilman, Henry S. Reinhardt. Thomas Atchinson and Dr. D. E. Eng- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 265 

lish, recommended the acquisition of property for the building of a hospital for 
the insane on the most approved modern methods. After a careful inquiry into 
the accommodations of the hospitals of New York State, the Superintendent 
was instructed to outline a plan. In the mean time the director, Thomas Mc- 
Gowan, and members of the Committee on Public Buildings, of which C. W. 
Heilman, of Newark, was chairman, secured the site of one hundred and eighty- 
three acres at Verona. 

The outlines of the plans were submitted by the Superintendent of about 
ten competing architects. In 1879 a number of plans incognito were further 
passed upon by an expert architect in hospital construction of international 
fame, and the plan adopted fell to the guidance of Architect Edward A. Wurth, 
of Newark. 

The building now completed forms but one-twelfth of the ground plan of 
the prospective construction, and is one of the most modern buildings of its 
class in the United States, unique and original in its arrangement, and a monu- 
ment to those who figured as advisory in its erection. 

The Branch Hospital now holds two hundred and fifty patients, with a ca- 
pacity of about three hundred patients of the dormitory class ; wings will be ex- 
tended as necessity requires. The present ofificership consists of the Superin- 
tendent, Dr. Henry McCormick; resident physician. Dr. Robert Chapman. 
At the home institution. Dr. Robert Bolton is first assistant physician. Dr. Wil- 
liam H. Hicks assistant physician and pathologist. 

At the close of this sketch, the county, out of a population of about three 
hiinf'.red and thirty-five thousand, maintains about nine hundred patients. 

The reputation of these hospitals, under the management of the present 
Superintendent, has extended far and wide, and they are conceded by authorities 
on the subject as being the model county hospitals for the insane in the United 
States. 



HENRY HEVWARD ISHAM 

Was born in Brooklyn, New York, October 12th, 1847, of old New England 
stock. His father Ralph Henry Isham, was born in Colchester, Connecticut; 
his mother, Ann Heyward Trumbull, though a Jersey woman by birth, was a 
great-granddaughter of Jonathan Trumbull, the famous war Governor of Con- 
necticut, whose name holds so important a place in our country's history. Mr. 
Isham can also claim, as an immediate ancestor, Thomas Gibbons, who, with 
Aaron Ogden and fonathan Dayton, was prominent in the earlier part of this cen- 
tury, in Elizabeth (then known at Elizabeth Town), where their names were asso- 
ciated with the history and upbuilding of the place, with its ferry, its steamboat 
and all of its best interests. Like his great-grandfather, Thomas Gibbons, the 
subject of this sketch has closely identified himself with the business and landed 
interests of Elizabeth, where he has particularly devoted himself to the locating 
and building of manufactories. Mr. Isham has been instrumental, — probably 
more so than any other one man — in bringing into the City of Elizabeth large 
niamifactories, wliereby city interests have advanced in all departments, .\mong 



266 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



important manufactories, located by him. we mention the Singer Sewing ^la- 
chine Company, employing four thousand hands; the A. F. Brown Manu- 
factory, five hundred hands; the Brooklyn & New York Railway Supply Com- 
pany, four hundred hands; the Ball and Wood Engine Company, over two 
hundred hands; Yates & Co., carpets and rugs, one hundred hands, and the 
Moore Brothers Company, iron founders and machinists, about two hundred. 
Manv smaller concerns might also be named. 




HENRY HEYWARD ISHAM. 



As trustee of the Tnniihull property, 2Jr. Isham has fully understood and 
embraced the advantages given by the natural superiority of its location, and, 
while working for the highest interest of the estate, he has most truly benefited 
the whole community. Although affairs connected with real estate are those 
in which he is principally occupied, Mr. Isham has given time and attention to 
other matters. He was one of the incorporators of the Citizen's Bank of 
Elizabeth, and has, from its formation, been one of its Board of Directors: he was 
one of the incorporating directors, (and practically the builder), of the street 
railway known as "the Green Line." also one of the incorporators and president 
of the Moore Brothers Company, Iron Founders and Machinists. He was for 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 267 

three years president of the State Agricuhural Society, and is now one of its 
vice-presidents. Notwithstanding his many business interests, and the calls 
made upon him by the trusts reposed in his hands, Mr. Isham has found time to 
devote to the affairs of his city's welfare, in its department work, and its social 
interests, as evinced by his active service upon its Board of Trade, and as a 
founder of its Town and Country Club. 



WELLINGTON SWIFT, 



Who is connected with the building interests of Paterson, N. J., was born in Ul- 
ster county, Xew York. January 7, 1835. His father, Theodore V. W. Swift, 
born in Putnam county, Xew York, in 1806, died January, 1882, removed to 
Ulster county in 1827, where he followed the trade of carpenter and bridge 
builder, erecting many of the most important bridge structures of the county. 
His grandfather built the first court house erected in Monticello, Sullivan county, 
New York. His mother, Marie Bradley, born in Ulster county. New York, 
in 1807, died in 1861, and was of Holland antecedents. 

yir. Swift attended only common school, concluded his educational career 
at the age of twenty and engaged in farming. Subsequently he worked at 
carpentering, and later became interested in building, in pursuance of which he 
came to Paterson, New Jersey, where he formed a connection with the Watson 
Manufacturing Company. In 1872 he commenced taking contracts in moving 
buildings, a business which he has since successfully followed. 

Mr. Swift has been prominent in Democratic poHtics, and has represented 
his party in the Board of .Aldermen from the Second ^^'ard of Paterson, and for 
several years was a Park Commissioner. 

In early life he married Catherine, daughter of Wygant Edwards of Orange 
countv, Xew York. Thev have three children, Erma, Eva and Herbert. 



EDWARD GYRE BURGESS. 

From a historic family on l)oth sides is descended this gentleman. The 
name of Burgess or Burges, as appears from ancient documents, was formerly 
De Burgess, afterward Burches, and subsequently Burgess. From the French 
derivation of the name it is probable that the English ancestor came from Nor- 
mandv with William the Conc|ueror. and was among those to whom lands were 
appropriated for military services rendered. Eleven persons of this name are 
mentioned by Burke as having received coats of arms in recognition of dis- 
tinguished service. Those born by Charles Montoliere Burges, of Beaufort 
countv. Sussex, were: Arms-Per fesse argent and ermine a fesse azure fretty 
or, a bordure of the third bezantee, on a canton gules a bend of the first, charged 
with a baten of Knight Marshall ppr. Crest— .\ camel's head ppr. erased gules. 

The .\merican ancestor of the Xew York branch of this family was Edward 
E. Burgess, who came from England to this country in 1760, and settled in Wa- 



268 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

tervliet, now Bethlehem, in AFljany county. Leonard Burgess, a great-uncle ot 
our subject, was for many years a prominent manufacturer of jewelry, in .Al- 
bany, and another uncle, Daniel Hewson was a prominent resident of Auburn and 
a neighbor and. warm personal friend of William H. Seward. 

Edward G. Burgess, Sr., the father of our subject, was a successful merchant 
in Albany for a number of years. He removed to Jersey City in 1840 
and was one of the originators of the system of floating elevators, which has 
revolutionized the grain business in the country and enabled those engaged in 
the grain trade to handle millions of btishels in the same time that thousands 
were handled under the old system. He with others owned the first grain ele- 
vator and established the new system as early as 1848, although they met great 
opposition in this enterprise. He is on the roll of honor of the Produce Ex- 
change, having volunteered his services during the riot of 1836. He married 
Mary Tanner \\'ands, daughter of James Wands and granddaughter of John 
AVands, of the township of New Scotland, formerly Bethlehem, Albany county, 
New York, who came from Glasgow. Scotland, about 1750. He and his broth- 
er Ebenezer were the only persons of that name who ever settled in this cotm- 
try. In the history of New Scotland, it is stated that "from 1750 to 1775 there 
was a large emigration of a sturdy, industrious class from Scotland, Ireland, 
England, etc., possessing an intelligence which inspired them with courage to 
promote the wellbeing of each other, and by their influence to give to the re- 
formed religion an example worthy of Christianity." 

.\mong the names prominently mentioned in this connection is that of John 
Wands. He was a thrifty Scotchman and an industrious farmer. .\t the 
outbreak of the French and Indian war he shouldered his "flintlock" and 
fought the wily savages — the allies of the French — with that courage and de- 
termination which distinguished the hardy Scotch pioneer. A powder horn, 
artistically inscribed with designs of Fort Stanwix and other fortifications, is now 
in the possession of E. G. Burgess, his great-grandson, and is evidently a record 
of his achievements. He was stationed for a time in a stone church in the vil- 
lage of -Schoharie, which was then used as a fortification and which is still stand- 
ing. During the war of the Revolution he was known as Ensign John \\'ands, 
being ensign of the First Regiment of ^Albany Militia, commanded by Colonel 
Henry Ouackenbush. In the W'ar of 18 12 the family was represented by Peter, 
Joseph and James W. Wands, who volunteered their services and fought in de- 
fense of their country. 

John Wands was evidently a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity 
and one of the organizers of the lodge in his locality. The history of New 
Scotland states that as early as 1794 a Masonic Lodge was in e.xistence there. 
Among the few names of the members given are John Cloud and James Wands 
and eight others. It is further stated that "James Wands, second, was a 
teacher previous to 1794." James B. Wands was supervisor of the town in 
1832 and again in 1837. .Another account states that "Dr. Wands, from New 
Scotland, practiced in the township of Guelderland about eight years and then 
removed to Cohoes." Thomas D. Wands, the grand-uncle of Mr. Burgess, 
was supervisor of his district in .\lbany for many years. He was a stove manu- 
facturer and was a near neighbor and friend of Thurlow Weed. The families 
of Wands and Burgess were both prominent in Albany county, and held many 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 269. 

offices of trust both before and after the Revolution. William E. Burgess, a 
cousin of Edward G., is especially mentioned in the annals of the town for the 
part he took in the Mexican war. Another cousin. Ebenezer E. Wands, who. 
now occupies the old homestead of his great-grandfather, had the following sons 
in the Civil War: James E , Robert J.. Thomas. Alexander H. and Oliver. 

Edward G. Burgess, whose name introduces this review, was born in Albany, 
New York, but in his early childhood removed with his parents to Jersey City. 
He was educated in the public schools there and subsequently entered the ser- 
vice of the Grain Elevating Company, of which his father was the leading spirit, 
being president of the Company at the time of his death, in 1872. The son 
succeeded to that office in 1873. and conducted the affairs of the enterprise with 
success until 1881. when he became associated with Annan & Company, of 
which he has since been president. He was one of the board of managers of 
the New York Produce Exchange, elected to serve from May, 1892. to May, 
1894. and is also one of the managers of the New York Produce Exchange 
Building and Loan Association. 

Mr. Burgess is a man of excellent business and executive ability, and is a 
leader in the grain trade in this part of the State. His honorable business meth- 
ods, his enterprise and his industry have brought to him rich sttccess, which he 
well merits. A community depends upon commercial activity; its welfare is 
due to this, and the promoters of legitimate and extensive business enterprises 
mav well be termed its benefactors. For more than twenty years Mr. Burgess 
has been prominently connected with the business affairs of Montclair, and dur- 
ing that time he has seen the place grow from a small suburban village to a 
city of nearly twelve thousand inhabitants. As a public spirited citizen he has 
done his share toward promoting public improvement and physical and edu- 
cational development. He was one of the founders of the McMcker Military 
Institute, which has already attained high rank as a private educational insti- 
tution for boys, fitting them for the practical duties of life, as well as preparing 
them for college. Mr. Burgess assisted in organizing the Montclair Bank, which 
has done so much for the business interests of the township, and is still one of its* 
directors. With the social organization of the town he is also connected, be- 
ing one of the founders of the Montclair Club and the Montclair Athletic 
Club, and a member of the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, by 
virtue of his descent from John \\'ands. He is also a trustee of St. Luke's 
church. 

Mr. Burgess was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth M. Atkins, daughter 
of Charles H. Atkins, of Jersey City, and a descendant of a family of great an- 
tiquity and prominence in England and Ireland. Burke, in his "Landed Gen- 
try," says: "Sir Jonathan .Atkins, knight of Givendale. county York. Governor 
of Guernsey, born in 1603, died at the age of ninety-three years, leaving by his 
first wife, Marv second, daughter of Sir William Howard, of Havoert Castle, 
Cumberland, and sister of Sir Charles Howard, first Earl of Carlisle, three sons. 
One of these settled in Ireland about 1640 and founded that branch of the fam- 
ily. The other remained in England." Mr. and ]\Irs. Burgess became the 
parents of three children. Charles E., Edward G., Jr., and Herbert R. The 
first home of the family in Montclair was in Chestnut street, where they resided 
for about ten vears. In 1883 Mr. Burgess purchased the property on the moun- 



270 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JtRSEY. 

tain slope fronting Mountain avenue, near Gates avenue. On this he erected a 
large and substantial brick villa of the English Gothic style of architecture. Its 
broad verandas and spacious rooms give to it an oriental appearance and an air 
of comfort and restfulness. while its picturesque surroundings, with its beautiful 
shade trees, spacious lawn and magnificent view, all combine to make it a model 
home and delightful retreat. 



JOHN H. ELY, 



One of the leading architects in Newark, was born in New Hope, Pennsyl- 
vania, on the 13th of June. 1851. The Elys in this country are descendants 
of three ancestors: Nathaniel Ely, who settled in Springfield, Massachusetts, 
in 1628 or 1630; Richard, who located at Lynne, Connecticut, in 1660, and 
Joshua, who established a home in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1685. The last 
named is the ancestor of the Elys in Essex county. New Jersey. 

The fact that three of the name came to this country in early colonial days, 
his given rise to the traditional theory of three brothers, but investigation does 
not warrant this conclusion; for Richard came from the extreme south of Eng- 
land, Joshua from a district north of the center, and fifty-five years elapsed be- 
tween their respective emigrations. 

Joshua Ely came from Dunham, Nottingham, England, in 1635, and pur- 
chased four hundred acres of land in what was then called Burlington county, 
New Jersey. The lot on which the State House in Trenton now stands ad- 
joints his tract on the south. He arrived in this country with his wife and 
three sons, Joshua, George and John, the last named being born on the voy- 
age. Three other children were born in this country: Hugh, Elizabeth and 
Sarah. The mother died in 1698, and the father afterward married Rachel 
Lee, by whom he had two children, Benjamin and Ruth, twins. Joshua Ely died 
in 1702. No account of the descendants of his eldest son Joshua, is obtainable. 
George is the ancestor of the subject of this review. John, the third son has 
numerous descendants now living in Southern New Jersey, and some of the 
descendants of Hugh, the fourth son are living in this section of the State and 
some in Maryland. 

Joshua Ely, the eldest son of George and Jane (Pettit) Ely. was born March 
16, 1704, and married Elizabeth Bell. Both were members of the Society of 
Friends, to which Mrs. Jane Ely also belonged, and Joshua became an approved 
minister of that Society. He took up his residence in Salisbury township, 
Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1737, reared seven children and died in 1783. 
His son John, who was born May 28, 1738, married Sarah Simcock and after 
her death wedded Margaret Richards. By the first union there were five chil- 
dren, the second of whom, Asher Ely. was born July 11, 1768, and married 
Eleanor Holcombe. by whom he had nine children. The eldest child of that 
family was John H. Ely, who was born March 6, 1792, married Elizabeth Pown- 
all, and after her death wedded Elizabeth Kipel. 

Five children were born of the second marriage, the second of whom was 
Matthias Cowell Ely, the father of the subject of this review. He was engaged 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 271 

in the- lumbei' business in Pennsylvania from 1852 until i860, when he turned 
his attention to farming, which he followed in diiiferent places in New Jersey. 
The last twenty years of his life were spent as superintendent of construction of 
the Alorris Plains Asylum, and he died in 1895, while filling that position. He 
married Kizziah Stackhouse, and to them were born the following named: 
John H., Amy A., Lewis C. Kizziah, wife of ex-Senator Ashley, of Wakefield, 
Massachusetts; Matthias C, editor of the Newark "Daily Advertiser," Rebecca 
C, wife of Joseph R. Harring, of Morris Plains, New Jersey, and Sadie G. 

John H. Ely was liberally educated in the schools of New Jersey, and when 
he attained his majority he left home and fitted himself for his life work by the 
study of architecture He came to Newark fifteen years ago, and since has de- 
voted his attention to architectural designing and construction. He and his 
son Wilson C, designed the Newark City Hospital, the Hebrew Orphan Asylum, 
and other buildings of importance, and is an expert in his line, commanding a 
liberal patronage, and winning high commendation by his skill and proficiency. 
In the competition for the Newark City Library, there were thirty-eight sets of 
plans offered by some of the best architects of Newark, New York, Boston, 
Philadelphia, Chicago and other cities, in which competition, when the selections 
were made and classified, Messrs. Elys stood second in point of merit. 

Mr. Elv has been very prominent in the municipal affairs of Newark, and 
has been a leader in thought and action, earnestly laboring for all interests that 
will advance the welfare and prosperity of the locality. In 1891 he was elected 
on the Democratic ticket a member of the City Council, and in 1894 was re- 
elected. On the organization of that body in 1895, he was unanimously elected 
president and as such used his official power to promote many cases of material 
benefit to the city. He served on all the important committees of the Council 
and lent his influence to the work of progress, improvement and reform. He al- 
so served for two years as trustee of the City Home. He is noted for his activity 
in advocating and promoting the building of the City Hospital, in passing an 
ordinance regulating the construction of buildings, fought the redistricting of the 
city in the courts, but was defeated, and tested in the courts the law empowering 
the Mayor to appoint councilmen to fill vacancies and won his point. At the end 
of his official term as Alderman, he retired from politics, but has been repeatedly 
requested bv his friends to accept the nomination for the Assembly from his 
county, and for Mayor of the City of Newark, and other offices, but has invari- 
ably declined on the grounds that he wished to devote his whole time to his 
business. 

Mr. Ely was married in Cranberry Neck, Mercer county. New Jersey, in 
1871, to Miss Lydia Helen, daughter of Dr. Ezekiel Wilson, whose father, the 
Rev. Peter Wilson, was on the circuit embracing Hightstown. Hamilton Square 
and Trenton earlv in this century. The Doctor's second wife was Hannah 
Bergen, a sister of Judge Bergen, of Dutch Neck, Mercer county, Pennsylvania. 
To Mr. and ^Irs. Ely have been born a son and daughter, Wilson C, his fath- 
er's partner in business, who was married to Miss Grace R. Chamberlain, of 
Jamesburgh, New Jersey, on June 2d. 1897. and Ida May, who was married to Dr. 
E. D. Bemiss, of Newark, in February of 1898. 

Mr. Ely is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, having attained his thirty- 
second degree in the Order, and is also a member of ^Mecca Temple, of the Mys- 



2/2 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

tic Shrine in Xew York, and the ( )(ld Fellows and Knights of Pythias 
orders. 

In social and business circles he is highly esteemed for that sterling worth 
which everywhere commands respect, and his public and private life are alike 
above reproach. 



HON. EDWARD MOOS, 



Mavor of Jersey City, was born in Xeuwitd on the Rhine. Germany, August 31st, 
1850. His father was a manufacturer of writing paper for the German govern- 
ment, his ancestors having held exclusive rights since 1735. 

He received a liberal education in the schools of his native town, and at the 
completion of the same served an apprenticeship in a large general supply 
house. Coming to America at the age of nineteen he settled in Xew York, 
where he found employment in an upholstering establishment and became an 
adept upholsterer. In 1872 he left Xew York and settled in Jersey City, pur- 
chasing the furniture and upholstery business of Mullins & Schultz, at 133 Pa- 
vonia avenue. This business was conducted by him in partnership with Mr. 
Henry Lampe for one year. Retiring from the firm he entered the upholstery 
department of John Mullins with whom he remained till 1877. Leaving Mr. 
Mullins he formed a partnership with John Sheelian which was shortly given 
up, Mr. Sheehan retiring. He then formed a partnership with Mr. Adam 
Schulz, establishing the large and well-known furniture and carpet house of Hoos 
& Schulz, 71 and 73 Newark avenue, with branches in Hoboken and Bayonne, 
This business, due to Mr. Hoos" untiring energy and perseverance was suc- 
cessfully conducted by him till he was elected Mayor in 1897 when the duties of 
his office requiring his entire time and attention compelled him to retire entirely 
from business. 

Mr. Hoos at the very outset of his career took a keen interest in political 
affairs, especially anything pertaining to the city's welfare, but it was not till 
1885 that he entered the political arena as a contestant. In that year he was 
elected a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders from the old Third Dis- 
trict as an Independent Democrat. This district was at that time strongly 
Republican. In 1886 he was nominated for the Assembly, running against Col. 
S. D. Dickinson, who defeated him by a very small margin, where the normal 
Republican majority was previously placed at nine hundred. In 1889 he was 
elected to the Board of Aldermen, in which Board he held the chairmanship of 
all the important committees. In 1891 Mayor Cleveland appointed him a 
member of the Board of Appeals from which he almost immediately resigned 
in order not to embarass the incoming Republican Mayor. In 1894 Mr. Hoos 
was appointed by Mayor ^^'anser a director of the Board of Education from his 
ward to fill an unexpired term, and was reappointed for a full term the following 
year. In 1895 he was elected Assemblyman, and was an important factor 
among the Democratic minority at that time. The year 1897 found ^Ir. Hoos 
to be the Democratic choice for Mayor. The previous Mayor had held office 
for a term of five years and the Republican Legislature on the eve of the spring 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 275 

election passed what was known as the "AIcArthur Act" or "Term Extender." 
This act contemplated the extension of the term till the following January and 
abolished spring elections in Jersey City. After the Democrats had made their 
nominations the right to proceed to an election was denied. Mr. Hoos con- 
tested this through his counsel, Mr. Allan L. McDermott, and the Supreme 
Court decided that the "^Ic Arthur Act" was unconstitutional and ordered the 
election to go on. The election resulted in electing Mr. Hoos as Mayor by a 
majority of three thousand two hundred and forty-three over J. Herbert Potts, 
his Republican opponent. Not satisfied with the Supreme Court's decision,, 
Mr. Wanser, the Republican Mayor acting on the advice of his counsel, gave 
up his ofifice under protest and proceedings were started anew to oust Mayor 
Hoos. The question finally came before the Court of Errors and Appeals, which 
court sustained Mayor Hoos and forever settled the question of the unconsti- 
tutionality of the partisan "McArthur Act." 

During his first term Mayor Hoos endeared himself to the people by his 
fearless stand and constant vigilance in behalf of the people's rights. He 
brought about and successfully maintained before the courts a contract for a new 
and pure water supply. No matter was too trivial for him to give his time and 
attention to. In 1899 he was triumphantly re-elected by a majority of seven 
thousand over Edward M. Watson, the Republican candidate. 

Mayor Hoos is a member of many prominent social, business and political 
associations. He is also prominent in Masonic circles, having held some oE 
the highest ofifices in that order. 



JOHN ANDERSON MILLER 

Was born at Newark, New Jersey, December 30, 1850, and is of English 
and Welsh extraction, his ancestors on his father's side coming from England, 
and on his mother's side from Wales. 

Mr. Miller was graduated from Rutgers College in the class of 1871. On 
graduating he took the second prize for mathematical thesis. He graduated 
from Columbia Law School in 1874 with degree of L. L. B,, was admitted to the 
bar in New York and New Jersey, and commenced practice in Nev\'ark, New 
Jersey, where he has always resided. He has built up an important prac- 
tice, and from April, 1888, to April, 1891, was Judge of the First District Court 
of Newark. From 1888 to 1899, he also held the position of Lieutenant-Col- 
onel and Judge-Advocate on Division Staff. He is a member of Zeta Psi,. 
College Fraternity, of the Essex Club and Lawyers' Club, Newark, the Re- 
form Club. New York, and is a member of the Dutch Reformed church. In 
April, 1885, he was married to Augusta R. Neumann. They have one son, 
John A. Miller, born September 20, 1895, at Newark, New Jersey. 



18 



274 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

DAVID WADE OLIVER 

Will long be remembered for his determined efforts while Mayor, and in the 
face of opposition and indifference in almost every quarter, to develope the City 
of Bayonne and reconstruct and beautify its thoroughfares. This work was 
the more creditable in view of the fact that he himself is not a native of the city, 
but a Western man who selected it as a place of residence after retiring from ac- 
tive business. 

Mr. Oliver is of Scotch-Irish descent. His great-grandfather emigrated from 
Ireland in the early half of the eighteenth century, fifty years or more prior to the 
Revolution, and settled in Alassachusetts. Alexander Oliver, the grandfather 
of Mr. Oliver, was born in Massachusetts and became proprietor of a mill for 
spinning cotton in that State, and was so engaged until the war with England. 
He was a man of middle age with several children, when the Revolution took 
place, and served as an officer in the patriot army throughout the war. At its 
close he became a pioneer in what was then the far West, locating at Marietta, 
Ohio, with his wife and ten children, where he was one of the first settlers. He 
had married Mary Warner, of Vermont, a descendant of the old English fam- 
ily, and their eleventh child was David, the father of the subject of this sketch. 

David was born in the town of Marietta, in 1792; studied medicine and 
practiced successfully as a physician for many years in the City of Cincinnati. 
In the War of 1812 David Oliver was a captain under General William Henry 
Harrison, at the battle of Tippecanoe. He married Mary Wade, daughter of 
David Everett Wade, who, like his own father served through the Revolutionary 
War and became afterwards a Western pioneer. Mr. Wade was one of the 
founders of Cincinnati, his log cabin being one of the three first built on the 
present site of the city. 

David Wade Oliver, was one of the children of David and Mary (Wade) 
Oliver. Born in Cincinnati on the 19th of December, 1819, he lived in that 
city and attended the public schools until twelve years of age. His father re- 
tired from the practice of medicine in 1832, however, and removed to a farm in 
Warren county, Ohio. From this time until he reached the age of twenty, the 
boy pursued the arduous but healthful duties of the farm during the summer, 
spring and autumn season, and attended a neighboring school in the winter 
months. At the end of this period he secured a clerkship in a store and con- 
tinued in it for eighteen months. Thence removing to Cincinnati he was pres- 
ently engaged in the manufacture of alcohol, which he successfully prosecuted for 
several years, varying it by also branching off into the grocery trade. The 
latter business he followed exclusively from i860 to 1865. and in the latter year 
retired from active business and coming East made the City of Bayonne his res- 
idence. 

Mr. Oliver acquired considerable real estate in Bayonne, and before be- 
coming Mayor was the leader of a moveinent to right angle the streets of the 
city. He then set himself to the task of improving his adopted city, but dis- 
covered it to be a well nigh thankless project. His Western enterprise and 
energy found almost no response. It was realized that the streets were largely 
crooked, cut up, unimproved and unsightly, but the task of transforming them 
was considered so herculean that no one but a visionary would dream of under- 





DAVIDW. OLIVER 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 275 

taking it. J\Ir. Oliver had a survey made and drew up a map of the needed 
changes indicated; wliile, as a result of his persistent agitation he was first elected 
Councilman in 1872, and served seven years, and in 1883 Mayor of Bayonne for 
two terms. While he was not fully supported in effecting the radical changes 
he desired, he nevertheless accomplished improvements of great importance. 
The principle streets and avenues in Bayonne proper were largely straightened 
out and new ones added. These changes almost immediatel}- had their elTect 
in enhancing the real estate values, and the property holders probably have no 
greater regret to-day than that they did not encourage their public spirited 
Mayor to prosecute the work further. 

In 1887 Mr. Oliver purchased the Armstrong estate in Jersey City, and 
now resides in the Armstrong mansion at 588 Garfield avenue, overlooking all 
New York Bay. 

In 1853 Mr. Oliver was married to Mary A., daughter of Dr. John P. Harri- 
son, of Cincinnati. She died March 31, 1899. Two children, a son, 
Alexander Lancelot, and a daughter, Alary Warner, were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Oliver. Mr. Oliver is a member of the Presbyterian church and a Democrat 
in his political sympathies. He has never been in any sense an aspirant for 
political honors, and the local offices in which he served in Bayonne were merely 
accidental, and accepted as the means to and toward the improvements which he 
coveted for the city. 

In 1887 Mr. Oliver was appointed commissioner to adjust taxes and assess- 
ments in the City of Bayonne, under the Martin Act of the New Jersey Legis- 
lature, passed in 1886, and still holds that office. 



MOSES TAYLOR PYNE, A. M., 

Of New York City and Princeton, New Jersey, was born in New York City, 
December 21, 1855, and is the son of Percy Rivington and Albertina Shelton 
(Taylor) Pyne. He is of English descent. He entered Princeton University 
and was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of 'tj, and 
also received the degree of Master of Arts from that University in 1880. Mean- 
while he entered the Law School of Columbia University and received his 
Bachelor of Laws degree in 1879, and also received practical training in the law 
offices of Evarts, Southmayd & Choate. He was appointed general counsel 
for the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railway Company in 1881, and con- 
tinued in that office for ten years, meanwhile becoming very active in numerous 
business, benevolent and educational interests. He is a prominent and influen- 
tial member of the Board of Trustees of Princeton University and has rendered 
conspicuous service as the chairman of the Finance Committee of Princeton 
University. He has also become one of the Managers of St. Luke's Hospital of 
New York City, and is a trustee of St. Paul's school. Concord, New Hampshire, 
and also of the Lawrenceville school, Lawrenceville, New Jersey. He has 
always been a prominent member of the Princeton Alumni Association, and in 
1898 was elected president of the Princeton Club of New York. He is also 
vice-president of the Princeton Inn Company, and vice-president of the Young 



276 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Men's Christian Association of New York City. He is especially noted for his 
untiring efforts in behalf of his alma mater. In addition to his numerous 
educational, benevolent and social interests, Mr. Pyne is president of the Cayuga 
& Susquehanna Railway Company, and a director in the following companies 
and corporations: The Harvey Steel Company, New Jersey Zinc Company, 
Lackawanna Iron & Coal Company, Lackawanna Iron & Steel Company, New 
York, Lackawanna & Western Railway Company, the National City Bank of 
New York, the Farmers' Loan & Trust Company, the Consolidated Gas Com- 
pany, of New York City, Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Com- 
pany, the L'nited Railroads of New Jersey, Morris & Essex Railway Company, 
Syracuse, Binghamton & New York Railway Company, Passaic & Delaware 
Railway Company, and the Valley Railroad Company. He takes a great in- 
terest in the public affairs of Princeton and vicinity, and is chairman of Prince- 
ton township. Besides the Princeton Club of New York, df which he is presi- 
dent, he is a member of the L'niversity Club, the University Athletic Club, the 
Metropolitan, the Century, the Grolier, the Downtown, and the Riding clubs of 
New York, the Conntr}' Club of Westchester county, the Tuxedo, the St. Nich- 
olas Society, and the Nassau, Ivy, Tiger Inn, and Cap and Gown clubs at Prince- 
town, where he has taken up his residence at "Drumthwacket," formerly the 
residence of ex-Governor Olden. Mr. Pyne was married June 2, 1880, to 
Margaretta, daughter of the late General Robert S. Stockton, of New Jersey, 
they have three children: Percy Rivington, second, Robert Stockton, and 
M. Taylor Pyne, Jr. 



"WILLIAM MINDRED JOHNSON, 

State Senator from Bergen county. New Jersey, son of Hon. Whitfield S., and 
Ellen (Green) Johnson, was born in Newton, Sussex county. New Jersey, De- 
cember 2, 1847, 3nd received his preparatory education in the Newton Collegiate 
Institute and the State Model School at Trenton. He was graduated from 
Princeton College in 1867, read law with Hon. Edward W. Scudder, of Tren- 
ton, until the latter's appointment to the bench, and afterward with G. D. W. 
Vroom of the same city, and was admitted to the bar there as an attorney in June, 
1870, and as counselor in June, 1873. He is also a Special Master and Ex- 
aminer in Chancery. 

Mr. Johnson practiced his profession in Trenton as a member of the firm 
of Kingman & Johnson until 1874, when he removed to Hackensack, Bergen 
county, where he has since resided. He has been eminently successful at the 
bar and is recognized as one of the ablest lawyers in his part of the State. For 
many years he has been an active Republican, serving as a member of the Re- 
publican State Conunittee, and in 1888, as a delegate to the National Republican 
Convention. In 1895 'i^ was elected to the State Senate from Bergen county 
for a term of three years. He has taken an active part in legislation, being the 
leader of the party for two legislative sessions, serving as chairman on the 
Judiciary Committee, and also as chairman of the Committee on Appropriation. 
He was re-elected in 1898 for another term of three years. He is also prom- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 277 

inently connected with a number of business and manufacturing enterprises, 
being a director in the Hackensack Bank, president of the Hackensack Trust 
Company, and various other corporations. He has been a member of the 
Hackensack Board of Education and for several years was a member of the 
Hackensack Improvement Commission. He is a trustee of the New Jersey 
Historical Society, and is connected with various benevolent and religious as- 
sociations. 

October 22, 1872, Mr. Johnson married Marie E., daughter of William 
White, of Trenton, New Jersey, and they have two sons, George White and 
William Kempton, who are living, their eldest son, Walter Whitfield, having 
died March 16, i8gi, at the age of sixteen. 



HON. WILLIAM SICKLES BANTA, 

Of Hackensack, N. J., is a lineal descendant of Epke Jacob Banta, who was born 
in Harlingen, West Friesland, Holland, and who sailed from Amsterdam in the 
ship "De Trouw," for America, February 13, 1659. He settled in what is now 
Bergen county, New Jersey, and became one of the judges of the Oyer and 
Terminer in 1679. I^'^ (John) Banta, one of the direct descendants, located 
at Pascack, in Washington township, about 1750, and died there, being suc- 
ceeded by his eldest son, Hendrick Banta, who was born May 27, 1749. The 
latter died February 15, 1803, leaving about five hundred acres of land in Ber- 
gen county which was divided among the five sons. He also had three daughters 
His son, Henry H. Banta, born at Pascack, September 30, 1784, was a shoemaker 
by trade, but spent his active life as a farmer and merchant. In 1832 he re- 
moved to Hackensack, and, with his brother Teunis, carried on a general mer- 
cantile business until his death in February, 1849. He was postmaster of Hack- 
ensack for several years, ranked as Adjutant in the State militia, was a justice 
of the peace, and by appointment served as a lay judge of the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas of Bergen county from 1829 to 1834, and 1838 to 1848. He mar- 
ried Jane, daughter of William Sickles, of Rockland county. New York, who died 
in 1870, aged seventy-six. She was descended from Zacharias Sickles, who 
came originally from Vienna, Austria, to Holland, and thence to Curacoa, one of 
the West India Islands, where he met Governor Peter Stuyvesant, with whom he 
came to New York, and thence in 1655, to .-\lbany. Zacharias Sickles is re- 
garded as the common ancestor of the Sickles family in America. Judge Henry 
Banta had three children: Margaret (deceased), William S. and Jane (Mrs. 
John De Peyster Stagg), of Hackensack. 

William S. Banta was born in Pascack, Bergen county, December 12, 1824. 
He was educated in the public schools and at the private classical school of Rev. 
John S. Mabon in Hackensack, and was graduated from Rutgers College in 
1844. He read law with Hon. A. O. Zabriskie, of Hackensack, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar of New Jersey as an attorney in October, 1847, ^"d as a coun- 
selor in April, 185 1. He subsequently became a Special Master in Chancery 
and a Supreme Court Commissioner. In the spring of 1848 he opened an ofiice 
in Hackensack where he continued in successful practice until his retirement 



278 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

from the more active duties of the profession in 1868 During this period of 
twenty years he estabHshed a wide reputation as an able and painstaking lawyer. 
He was Prosecutor of the Pleas of Bergen county from i860 to 1868, when he 
resigned. In 1872 he was appointed law judge of the county of Bergen to fill 
the unexpired term of Judge Green, and on April i, 1873, l^^ was appointed 
for a full term of five years. In 1879 Governor McClellan appointed him as- 
sociate judge of the same court, and lie served in that capacity until the expira- 
tion of his term in 1884. 

Judge Banta, on leaving the bench, retired from the active duties of his pro- 
fession and has since devoted his time largely to the care of his private interests. 
He is widely recognized for his sound judgment, strict integrity, and knowledge 
of the law. In educational matters he has been especially prominent. He was 
school superintendent of New Barbadoes, Bergen county, under the old law, and 
afterward was appointed, with Rev. Albert Amerman, one of the Board of Ex- 
aminers for teachers of public schools by the Bergen County Board of Chosen 
Freeholders, a position he held for several years. In 1862 Governor Olden ap- 
pointed him commissioner of the draft for the county of Bergen, in accord- 
ance with orders of the general government, and in this capacity he carried out 
in a highly creditable manner the provisions of the order by making an enroll- 
ment of ail persons in the county liable to mihtary duty. Within a month of 
the time appointed for the draft several companies volunteered, thus filling the 
quota required for Bergen county. This was a part of the machinery of the 
State inaugurated and set in motion by Governor Olden, who was pre-eminently 
the war Governor of New Jersey, and who more than any other man established 
that system which it was impossible to reverse, and which ranked the State 
among the first in the Union during the entire Rebellion. Judge Banta was 
also deputy internal revenue collector for the county of Bergen during a part 
of the war period. He has been a member of the Hackensack Improvement 
Commission, and was for several years president of the Hackensack Gas Light 
Company, and for a long time was secretary of the old Bergen County Mutual 
Insurance Company. 

On May 30, 1850. Judge I^anta married Sarah, daughter of John and Caty 
Ann (Hopper) Zabriskie, of Hohokus. New Jersey, who died in 1853. leaving a 
son, who died in infancy. In May, 1861, he married her sister, Adelia, who died 
in 1869. March 16, 1876, he was married to Jane Anne, daughter of Abraham 
H. and Maria (Anderson) Berry, of Hackensack, and a lineal descendant of John 
Berry, one of the original patentees of Bergen county. 



FREDERICK W. LEONARD, 

Of Newark, one of the well-known members of the New Jersey bar, and at 
present (1900) holding the position of referee in bankruptcy, was born in the 
City of Newark, on April 3, 1840, and is the son of the late Theodore and Fran- 
ces E. (Kearny) Leonard. The father of our subject was for many years a 
prominent citizen of Newark, to which city he removed from Philadelphia in 
1838. He was a native of the Quaker city, and was of the family of Leonard 




FREDERICK W. LEONARD 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 279 

which came from Bavaria and settled in Pennsylvania dnring the eighteenth cen- 
tury. Theodore Leonard removed to Newark in 1838, and for years was engaged 
as a manufactnrer in the tobacco line. He was a memljer of the Democratic 
party and was very active in local politics, holding various ofifices. At one 
time he was quite prominent in State militia affairs. He died in Newark in 
1886. His wife was born in Newark in 1822, anrl is the daughter of James 
Kearnv, who was a cousin to the father of the late General Kearny. Her 
mother was a Ballard, of the old Essex County family of that name. Mrs. 
Leonard is still living, and resides in East Orange. Eight children were born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Leonard, seven sons and one daughter, all of whom, with the 
exception of one son who died in infancy, are still living, and of whom Fred- 
erick W. is the eldest. 

With the exception of only a few years, all of the life of our subject has 
been spent in his native city. He early displayed a spirit of independence and 
self-reliance, and a disposition to throw off restraint and make his own way in 
life. He attended the public schools for a time, but to one of his nature the 
school room was irksome and he soon left it, and subsecjuently educated him- 
self by hard study, pursued according to his own ideas and inclinations. His 
first occupation was that of carrying papers, following which he became a clerk 
in a shoe store, and later was engaged in the manufacture of cigars with his 
father. At the age of eighteen he became Assistant City Clerk of Newark, 
under Enos M. Leonard (no relation of his), which position he held until the 
latter part of the year 1864. It was during this period that he determined to 
devote his future to the legal profession, and so efficient was he in the discharge 
of his duties in the Citv Clerk's Office that he found time to study law, which 
he did with William P.. Guile, Jr., as a preceptor. Upon leaving the Clerk's 
Office he entered the office of ^fr. Guile and continued his legal studies until 
July, 1865, when he was admitted to the bar. In 1866 he entered the law office 
of the late General Theodore Runyon, as managing clerk, and at the end of two 
years became a partner with the General in the law firm of Runyon & Leonard. 
This was indeed a compliment to our subject and a fitting recognition of his 
ability and promise in the profession, by one who was himself a master. For 
at that time General Runvon was conceded to be one of the ablest attorneys in 
New Jersey, and was enjoying probably the most exten.'^ive general practice in 
Newark, if not in the entire State, while our subject was but a young man, with 
his future before him and his spurs yet to win. That the senior member of the 
firm did not make a mistake in the chosing of a junior, or had cause to regret 
his choice, was evidenced by the continuance of the partnership of Runyon &: 
Leonard for over ten years, or until the General was appointed Chancellor of 
New Jersey and abandoned the practice, and by the warm friendship which ex- 
isted between the two tmtil the General's death. 

Upon the withdrawal of General Runyon from the firm and practice, our 
subject succeeded to the business, and formed a partnership with Joseph Coult, 
under the firm name of Leonard & Coult. Two years later, however, this firm 
was dissolved, and our subject became a member of the firm of \beel & Leon- 
ard, the senior member beiup" the late Col G. N. Abeel, which partnership con- 
tinued for one vear. Following this he practiced alone for several vears, and 
then went to New York Citv to become one of the counsels for several railroad 



28o BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

corporations. Ill health compelled him to abandon his business in Xew York 
in 1894, and he returned to Newark and resumed general practice, at which he 
continued until July 19. 1898. when he was appointed by the United States Dis- 
trict Court to the important position of referee in bankruptcy. This office was 
recently created by an act of Congress, and our subject is the first to hold the 
same in this district. 

yir. Leonard is a member of the Democratic party and in early life was 
very prominent in politics and public life, and was one of the local managers of 
his party. He has, however, always been averse to holding office, and with but 
one exception has never accepted the nomination for any elective office. This 
was in 1864, when he was placed on the ticket as candidate for School Com- 
missioner in the Second \\'ard of Newark, a Republican stronghold at that day, 
and was elected, defeating the late Judge Ricord. who was one of the best known 
men in the city and exceptionally prominent in school and educational matters. 
He served one term and declined a renomination. While a member of the Board 
he served as chairman of the Committee on High School, and as a member of 
the Committee on Teachers. 

^Ir. Leonard is regarded as a lawyer of more than ordinary ability and at- 
tainment, and one peculiarly adapted for his calling, possessing as he does in an 
eminent degree all those qualities which are necessary to succeed in the legal pro- 
fession. He has a logical and well-trained mind, is painstaking and methodical, and 
is as familiar with the New Jersey practice as any man at the bar. He is quick and 
keen in perception, and has the faculty of grasping readily all the details and in- 
tricacies of a case. He is a close student, an untiring and systematic worker, 
and is not only an all round, able and conscientious practitioner, but is regarded 
as one of the best equity lawyers of the State. It is said of him that since 
his appointment as referee in bankruptcy he has become very proficient in bank- 
ruptcy matters, and enjoys the distinction of being not only one of the ablest 
referees in New Jersey, but of the United States. Subsequent to his appoint- 
ment he organized the office, prepared forms adapted for local use. assisted in 
compiling the rules regulating and governing the practice, and has prepared all 
necessary books and papers for transactions of business, in all of which he has 
manifested his usual ability and industry. 

Personally Mr. Leonard is a most agreeable and courteous gentleman. He 
has strong characteristics, and is a man of decided views and convictions, yet 
is not dogmatic, or arbitrary. He is warm-hearted, loyal in his friendships, and 
always ready and willing to make sacrifices when called upon to do so by those 
who have claim upon his freindship. He has a wide circle of friends, all of 
whom admire and esteem him for his sterling worth. 

Mr. Leonard is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and of the Newark 
Athletic Club, the Jeflfersonian Club of Newark, and of the Manhattan and the 
Democratic Clubs of New York Citv. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



281 



EUGENE JOBS, M. D., 

Son of Nicholas Conover Jobs and Margaret, daughter of John Peter Castner, 
was born at Liberty Corner, Somerset county, New Jersey, February 23d, 1821, 
died May 22d, 1875. Somerset county, New Jersey, as is well known, was settled 
largely by Hollanders, who naturally located in and about New Amsterdam: of 
such early settlers were the ancestors of Eugene Jobs, upon both paternal and 



Jl '^ |Ws 1 


( 1 

... i ■ !■: 


\' 



EUGENE TOBS, M. D. 



maternal sides. The name of John Peter Castner stands among those who bore 
arms for his country's liberty during the Revolutionary A\"ar. The early 
education of Dr. Jobs was that of the schools of his native place; later he 
went to Manalapan, :\Ionmouth county. N. J., where, under the preceptorship of 
J. Smith English, ^\. D., he prepared for college, having chosen the practice 
of medicine as his intended profession. Undoubtedly association with a man of 
the ability and power of Dr. English was ever a benefit to his students. The 
subject of our sketch worked earnestly and well during his preparatory term, 
entered the L'niversitv of Pennsylvania, and in 1844, was graduated with honor. 
Shortly after receiving his degree he began his life work in Springfield, Union 



282 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

county, New Jersey. What is the hfe of a country practitioner? Certainly not 
one of ease, not one of choice of service; less so fifty years ago than to-day. Dr. 
Jobs was called upon by a wide territory, the hardships were many, the responsi- 
bilities great, the rich and the poor alike his care. His faithfulness, his suc- 
cess need no mention. This man who felt the responsibilities of holding — under 
God — the issues of life and death in his hands, gave little thought to worldly 
honors or emoluments. To the best interests of the government o£ his vil- 
lage, township and county he was faithful, serving each as occasion called. To 
his church he was equally devoted, as officer and member. At home, as citizen, 
physician, friend, the story of this life was that of highest purpose quietly and 
loyally fulfilled. Dr. Jobs was a member of the Springfield Presbyterian 
church, of the Medical societies of both Union and Essex counties, and of the 
State Medical Society. While his choice of practice was in Springfield, and its 
environs, he was not unknown in the adjacent cities, where he was called fre- 
quently, both for practice and consultation. Dr. Jobs married, October 28th, 
1846, Mary Lum, daughter of Thomas Caruthers Allen, who was a son of John 
Allen, an officer of the War of 1812. The children of Doctor and jMrs. Jobs 
were, Margaret Anna, married James McClinton Morrow, October, 1873: died 
October, 1882; Thomas Allen, married Annie Laughton Osborn, Julv, 1877; 
Nicholas Conover, married Marietta Miller, November, 1878; died i88g, and 
Mary K., unmarried. 



EDWARD LIVINGSTON PRICE. 

There is, perhaps, no citizen of Essex county more closely entitled to definite 
representation in this compilation than is he whose name initiates this paragraph, 
■ — the elements making this representation peculiarly compatible being determined 
not through one source but several. His lineage traces back through the past to 
touch intimately the ancestral honors of those who were prominent in tlie set- 
tlement of the New \\'orld, conspicuous in colonial annals, stalwart patriots when 
the struggling colonies strove to throw off the uniust yoke imposed by the 
British throne; those whose names are illustrious on the pages of civil and mili- 
tary history through many successive generations, and in whose deeds and lives 
a sterling worth reposed. He, of whom this brief review is written, has gained 
distinctive prestige as a man of afifairs. and has shown that it was his to inherit 
the truest patriotism and to manifest it by valorous deeds when the cataclysm of 
civil war deluged the country with blood: and all these are points which call 
for recognition in any work purporting to touch upon the history of Essex 
county and her citizens. 

As early as 1700 the ancestors of Colonel Edward Livingston Price in the 
agnatic line settled in what is now Sussex county, New Jersey. His father 
was the late Judge Francis Price, of Weehawken, Hudson county. New Jersey. 
His mother was a representative of the Hart family, one of whose members, John 
Hart, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. 

Edward L. Price, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born in the 
City of New York, December 25, 1844. At the early age of sixteen he laid aside 




T?^c^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 283 

his school books and tendered his services for the defense of the Union, joining 
the United States army in April, 1862, as Second Lieutenant of Company E, 
Seventy-Fourth Regiment of New York Volunteers, He was promoted to the 
rank of First Lieutenant, and for gallant conduct at the siege of Yorktown. was 
appointed by Major-General Joseph Hooker to a position on his staff as ordnance 
officer of the division of the Third Army Corps. As such he served all through 
the Peninsular campaign, at the termination of which he was promoted to the 
position of Major of his old regiment, which he commanded through the sub- 
sequent battles of Bristow, Second Bull Run and Chantilly. Still further niili- 
tarv honors awaited him, for his valor and meritorious conduct won him the 
colonelcy of the C)ne Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment of New York Volun- 
teers, his commission bearing date December 18, 1862, at which time he was not 
yet eighteen years of age. His brilliant military record is one of which he may 
well be proud, and it is to such men that the country owed her salvation in the 
dark days of civil war. 

When hostilities had ceased and the country no longer needed the sujiport of 
her loyal sons on the field of batJe, Colonel Price returned to his home and be- 
gan his preparation for a life work. Predilection led him to the profession of 
the law as affording him the best field for the exercise of his peculiar talents 
and for the greatest advancement. He studied under the direction of Joseph 
P. Bradley, who later won distinction as an Associate Justice of the United 
States Supreme Court, and zealously and earnestly applied himself to the mas- 
tery of the science of jurisprudence. In 1866 young men from all parts of New Jer- 
sey assembled at Trenton to take the examinations which would test their fitness 
for admission to the bar, and on the list of applicants for that year were Garret 
A. Hobart, late Vice-President of the United States; Andrew Kirkpatrick, now 
a judge of the United States District Court; Colonel E. L. Price and others 
who have gained enviable distinction at the bar and in the field of politics. 

Admitted to the bar as an attorney at law. Colonel Price at once located in 
Newark and began practice. His success was marked and immediate. He 
soon rose to prominence and for over thirty years has maintained high rank 
among the ablest representatives of the profession in the State. With a strong 
power of analysis, a mind at once receptive and retentive, he quickly grasps all 
the points in a case and never loses sight of any assailable point in an opppnent's 
argument. He has been connected with much of the important litigation in 
Eastern New Jersey since his admission to the bar, and has a large and distinc- 
tive clientele. 

Colonel Price began his political career very early in life. He was not yet 
twenty-one years of age when, in 1865. he was elected to the lower branch of the 
State Legislature, but before he took his seat in the General Assembly he had 
attained his majoritv. In 1867 he was re-elected, and as a legislator he met the 
most sanguine hopes of his many friends and rendered a service which gave 
abundant evidence of his unusual ability in legislative affairs. He is the author 
of manv measures now found upon the statute books of the State, including the 
law creating the Board of Street and Water Commissioners of Newark and Jer- 
sey City, and which made a wonderful and much needed change in that branch 
of the numicipal government in large cities. The law has stood the tests of 
the courts and thus far its provisions stand unchanged by a single adverse de- 



284 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

cision. His broad knowledge of constitutional law made his services especially 
valuable, and he was regarded as one of the ablest members of the House. For 
many years Colonel Price has been an active worker and effective speaker on 
behalf of the Democratic party. He has been a member of the Essex County 
Democratic Committee for many years, and served as its chairman most of the 
time. He is especially effective as an organizer, and has led his party through 
many campaigns to victory. He is now chairman of the Democratic State Com- 
mittee and as such commands the confidence and respect of his associates. 

In the Newark municipal campaign of 1896, he took a very active part in 
securing the election of Hon. James ]\I. Seymour to the Mayoralty, and it was 
a fitting and deserving reward that he was appointed to the important position 
of Corporation Counsel in 1896, and reappointed to the same position by Mayor 
Seymour after his re-election in April, 1898, and since his first appointment Col- 
onel Price has acceptably served in that capacity; and his work has given abun- 
dant evidence of the wisdom of Mayor Seymour in calling him to the office. He 
has rendered many written and verbal opinions relating to the city affairs which 
have met with the full approval of the courts and lawyers, and has the commenda- 
tion of almost the entire bar. Few successful and accomplished politicians are 
also thorough masters of the law and possessed of good legal minds; but 
Colonel Price is credited with not only being a lawyer of both abundant learning 
and acumen, but also a politician of rare power and discrimination. He is pos- 
sessed of a commanding and pleasing personal appearance, and always manifests 
courtesy and respect for those with whom he is brought in contact, whether 
they be high or humble, rich or poor. Easy of approach, possessed of a 
charitable and sympathetic nature and endowed with the distinctive characteris- 
tics of a gentleman, it is not a matter of wonder that Colonel Price enjoys the 
respect, esteem and full confidence of his fellow citizens. 



DA\ ID STOUT MANNERS, 



^layor of Jersey City for five consecutive terms, from 1852, was born in East 
Aniwell, Hunterdon coimty, Xew Jersey, January 12, 1808. A remote ancestor 
was Anthony Manners, of Yorkshire, England, whose son, John, born in 1678, 
emigrated to America about 1700, and settled in Xew Jersey. He married 
Rebecca Stout, of Middletown, the granddaughter of Richard and Penelope 
(\'an Princess) Stout, lived at Upper Freehold, and afterwards moved to Amwell, 
where he died in 1770. He was also descended from an ancestry honorably 
mentioned in the annals of the Revolution. His grandfather. Captain John 
Schenck, was a gallant and intrepid officer and bore a conspicuous part in the 
struggles preceding as well as in the battles of Monmouth and Princeton. His 
father, Captain David Manners, was an officer in the War of 1812: won honor- 
able mention in several important engagements, was a man of imporatnce in civil 
life, and a member of the New Jersey Legislature. 

The early years of David S. Planners were spent on his father's farm as an 
aid to his father, who, besides the cultivation of the farm was also employed in 
surveying large tracts of land in various parts of the State. The knowledge 






Q/viuM-^ 



IIIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 285. 

gained as assistant to his father, and by attendance at the village school during 
the winter months, completed his early educational opportunities. In 1840' 
he left his native place and entered the mercantile world as a wholesale grocer 
in New York City, meeting with marked success. In 1844 he came to Jersey 
City, which then had a population of about seven thousand, and invested in real 
estate. .A.fter repeated services as director he was elected in 1854, president of 
the New Amsterdam Fire Insurance Company, then a leading company of New 
York City, and remained at its head until 1871. He held many business trusts 
and was connected with a large nuniljer of corporations. In 1848 he was chosen 
a member of the Aldermanic Council of Jersey City, became chairman of its 
Committee on Finance; subsequently the president of the Common Council 
and bv virtue of this ofifice a member of the Board of Water Commissioners, 
whose duty it was to procure for the city its first public water supply. This was 
accomplished in 1854. Previously, in 1852, by a nomination of the Citizens' 
party, he had been elected Mayor of the city. The office of Mayor of Jersey 
Citv was extended to him for five successive terms, from 1852 to 1857. As 
Mavor it has been said of him that "he never hesitated to interpose the execu- 
tive veto against any measure which his far-seeing wisdom deemed hasty or im- 
prudent, and it was this that attached to him through life the familiar title of 
'Old Veto.' " He died August 19, 1884. 

As a citizen and neighbor, Mr. Manners was greatly respected. In liis 
private life he was a conspicuous figure, genial, full of humor and possessing a 
fund of witty anecdote. 

In 1843 Mr. IManners was married to Deborah Philips Johnes, daughter 
of David Johnes and granddaughter of Major David Johnes, whose ancestor, 
Edward Johnes, the son of Richard Johnes, of Dinder, Somersetshire, England, 
came to Charlestown (Boston), Massachusetts, with Winthrop, in 1630, and died 
there in 1659. Mrs. Manners died in 1876, leaving surviving children, \'ir- 
ginia, Marie Louise, Helen, Blanche, Sheridan, Edwin and Clarence. 



EDWIN MANNERS, M. A., LL. B., 

Counsellor at law, son of the preceding, was born in Jersey City, New Jersey,. 
March 6, 1855. 

From the Hasbrouck Institute of Jersey City, and the Mt. Pleasant Mili- 
tary Academy, Sing Sing, New York, he entered Princeton University, from 
which he was graduated in 1877, receiving in course the degree of A. M. From 
the Columbia Law School he was graduated in 1879. While in the Institute and 
Academv he edited the students' periodicals, and at Princeton was one of the 
editors of the Nassau Literary Magazine. While attending his law course he 
also practically read law in the offices of Collins & Corbin, Jersey City. He 
was admitted to the bar as an attorney in 1880, and as counsellor in 1883. Open- 
ing an office in Jersev City, where he has continuously resided, he has taken a 
prominent position at the bar. The management of his private business in- 
terests, however, has occupied much of his time. 

He is a member of the Bar Association of Hudson county, Palma and Uni- 



286 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

versity Clubs of Jersey City, the Princeton Club of Xew York City, of the Sons 
of the American Revolution, of the Jersey City Board of Trade, and of other 
associations. 

He is a stockholder and director in several corporations, and has held a 
number of trust p)Ositions in connection with his profession and business affairs. 
He owns and controls considerable real estate, including a farm at Harlingen, 
New Jersey, where his summers, for the most part, are spent. 

He is a member of the Episcopal church, and although affiliated with the 
Democratic party, he holds independent political views. ^Ir. Planners shows 
marked interest in civic affairs, is possessed of pronounced scholarly tastes and 
literary attainments, and has written in both prose and verse. He is unmarried. 



JAMES AUGUSTUS WEBB. 

Mr. \\'ebb was born in the town of Norwich, Chenanga county, Xew York, 
February 3, 1830, a son of Augustus \'an Horn and Phebe Baker \\'ebb, of Xew 
York City. He resides in ^Madison. Morris county, Xew Jersey, and is actively 
engaged in business in Xew York City, where he has attained success along the 
tried lines of honorable effort, indefatigable energy and perseverence. 



RICHARD C. WASHBURN. 

President of the Hudson County Xational Bank since 1889, was born in Xorth- 
castle, \Vestchester county. Xew York, October. 1831. He is a son of Benja- 
min ^^'ashburn and Elizabeth \"ail, and was reared imtil fourteen years of age in 
the employ of his father, who was a tanner and currier and manufacturer of shoes. 
At this period — 1845 — '^^ found employment in a brick yard at Haverstraw, 
where he remained until 1851, when, associated with his brother Uriah, he com- 
menced the manufacture of brick at Gassy Point. Xew York. He has continued 
in the business ever since, with plants at Glasco, Ulster county. Xew York, and at 
Jersey City, this State. 

Since establishing his plant in Jersey City for the sale of brick and mason 
material, in 1864, ]Mr. Washburn has been prominently identified with the po- 
litical history of the State. In the fall of 1873. he was elected to the State Legis- 
lature as a Republican, serving two years, and was afterwards appointed by 
Governor Bedle Commissioner of Public Works for Jersey City in the year 1877. 

Mr. \\'ashburn"s large business interests early made him an influential fac- 
tor in banking circles. In 1874 he was made a director in the Hudson County 
National Bank, and in 1889 became and has since remained its president. He 
is also a director in the Colonial Life Insurance Company, and vice-president of 
the Provident Savings Bank. He is a Republican in politics, and a member 
of the L'nion League Club in Jersey City. 

In 1856 ^Ir. \\ashburn was married to Amelia, daughter of John Spring- 
sted. of Haverstraw. Xew York. She died in 1864. By this marriage one son, 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 287 

Uriah, is now living, and is associated with his father in the brick business. A 
second wife, Agnes Bartram, of Danbury, Connecticut, died in May, 1893. Of 
the three children, Lewis, Robert and Neil, issue of this marriage, Lewis and 
Neil survive. On March 2, 1899, ^'^^- Washburn was married to Jemuma H. 
Holden, of Jersey City. 

Mr. Washburn's residence is at Jersey City, New Jersey, with a summer 
home at Sangjertus, New York. 



MAJOR PETER F. ROGERS. 

Among the soldier element of New Jersey, few men are better or more favor- 
ably known than Major Peter F. Rogers, who for more than twenty years has 
held the important post of superintendent of the New Jersey Home for Disabled 
Soldiers at Kearney. A gallant soldier himself, he has, by his administration 
of the affairs of this responsible position, endeared himself to all old soldiers and 
their friends, and won the praise of the public in general. 

Major Rogers is a native of Scotland, having been born at Glasgow, on 
October 20, 1836. His father was Peter Jones Rogers, a native of London, 
England, and his mother was Elizabeth McEwen, a native of Paisley, Scotland. 
The parents were married in Glasgow, and came to the United States in 1843, 
their family at that time consisting of one son and two daughters. The fam- 
ilv first located in New York, but after two years time came to Newark, where 
the mother died in 1849. Subsequently the father went West with the Union 
colony, which, under Mr. Meeker, established the town of Greeley, in Colora- 
do, and at which place he died, in 1887. 

Major Rogers, when a boy, attended the public schools of New York and 
Newark, securing a fair English education. At about the age of fourteen years 
Le left school, and was apprenticed to the trade of silver-plating, at which he 
worked until he was in his nineteenth year. He then went to railroading — as 
fireman on a locomotive engine on the Morris & Esse.x Railroad. He continued 
at railroading until 1858, part of which time was put in on pioneer railroads in 
what was then the West, and many exciting and interesting experiences he had 
while thus engaged. Leaving the railroad, he located in Morristown, return- 
ing to the silver-pla'ting trade, and subsequently removed to Somerville, con- 
tinuing at his trade in that place. In April, 1861, he recruited a company of 
volunteers for the army, of which he was commissioned captain. This com- 
pany was mustered into the service of the Government the same month, and the 
following month became Company G, of the Third New Jersey Regiment. 
While at the front, and about two months after the first battle of Bull Run, 
Major Rogers fell ill and was sent to Fairfax Hospital, from whence he was dis- 
charged, on October 28, and returned to Newark. His illness incapacitated 
him for service until the spring of 1862. In .\ugust of that year, he again en- 
listed and was commissioned Second Lieutenant of Company K, Twenty-sixth 
New Jersev Regiment. Subsequently he was promoted to First Lieutenant 
of his companv, and in February, 1863, was commissioned captain of the same, 
and participated in the engagements of Burnside and Hooker campaign on the 



288 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Rapahannac River. 'Jhe Twenty-sixth Regiment was nnistered out of service on 
June 27, 1863, so our subject returned to Newark. He was not satisfied to remain 
at home inactive while his country was in peril, and he again recruited a company 
and enlisted, the company being assigned to the Thirty-ninth New Jersey Regi- 
ment as Company E, he being commissioned captain of the same, and continued 
at the head of this company until the regiment v.-as mustered out. in June, 1865. 
The company saw hard fighting at the front, and its captain was brevetted 
■Major for gallant and meritorious conduct upon the field of battle, this service 
being rendered at the siege of Petersburg, \ irginia, where he led the column 
in the assault upon the enemy's works. 

After the close of the war. Major Rogers retired to his home in Newark, 
where he has since resided In 1867 he became a member of the Newark police 
force, being appointed a lieutenant. Subsequently he was promoted to a cap- 
taincy, and served in that capacity until a change in the politics of the city com- 
pelled his retirement from the force. Following this he was appointed City 
Street Commissioner of Newark, and subsequently returned to the police force 
and v^-as appointed Chief of Police, a position which he filled with credit for a 
period of two years. On October 31, 1878, Major Rogers was appointed 
superintendent of the New Jersey Home for Disabled Soldiers, and has had 
charge of that institution continually until the present time. Major Rogers 
is a member of Marcus L. Ward Post, No. 88, G. A. R., and of St. Paul's Lodge, 
K. of P., No. 29. 

In i860 Alajor Rogers was united in marriage, in Newark, to Nancy Os- 
born Ball, who was born in Hanover, Morris county. New Jersey, and is the 
daughter of Alexander and Charlotte Ball. To this union four children have 
been born, as follows: Frank Morris, \'irginia, Charlotte E. and Aimie. 

]\Iajor Rogers has a wide circle of friends in the State, all of whom esteem 
him highly for his sterling traits of character. He is a man of broad and liberal 
views, kind of heart and genial disposition. His executive ability has been 
tested in the various public positions he has occupied, and has been found all 
that could be desired: especially in the discharge of his duties as superinten- 
dent of the Soldiers Home has he given universal satisfaction to all concerned, 
and demonstrates, beyond a doidat. that he is the right man in the right place, and 
that his selection was a happy one on the part of the authorities 



CHARLES BALDWIN THURSTON 

Has for more than a quarter of a century been one of the most widely known 
and popular residents of Jersey City. He was born in New York City, April 
2d, 1832. He came of colonial stock, his grandfather. Rev. Peter Thurston, 
of London, England, having accepted a call to New York in 1767. Peter 
Kipps Thurston, the father of Charles B., was a well known piano-forte manu- 
facturer in New York. He died while his son was quite young, and Charles B. 
made his home with his inicle. Justice David W. Baldwin, in Newark, New Jer- 
sey. In that city he attended the school of ^^'i^iam Walton, and subsequently 
spent two years in the academy at Chatham, New Jersey, under the instruction of 




^.^^^^cz^^^^z-^^^^^a-^^^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 289 

Professor Forgus, completing his education at the private school of Nathan 
Hedges, a well known educator of Newark. Soon after graduation he went 
with John Medcraft, a manufacturing jeweler of Newark, New Jersey, to learn 
that business, but it being distasteful to him he abandoned it and became a 
medical student with his cousin, Dr. Dennis E. Smith, in Brooklyn. While 
there he became acquainted with Dr. George Wood, a well known and highly 
esteemed dentist, and being often in his laboratory, he decided to give up medicine 
and apply himself to the study of dental surgery. He entered the office of Dr. 
John Hassell. a dentist of good repute, who had a good practice in Newark. 
After completing his studies, he practiced for himself, and soon established an 
enviable reputation as a practitioner. Close application to business brought a 
failure of health, and he gave up his practice to associate himself with an uncle 
in the paint and varnish business; but this was not an agreeable occupation for 
him, and early in 1865 he went via. Panama to California and Nevada, to look 
after some mining interests. He returned via. Nicaragua, in 1867, and accepted 
the agency of several large insurance companies. He had control of the insur- 
ance of several railroad companies, among w'hich was the United New Jersey 
Railroad and Canal Company. At the time that this company was leased to the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company he became associated with the late A. L. Den- 
nis in looking after the general interests of the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- 
pany in New Jersey and New York, and was made a director in a number of 
railroad companies controlled by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. As spe- 
cial agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, his relations have been of a 
close and confidential character. In 1872 he was elected secretary and trustee 
of the associates of the Jersey Company, which position he still holds. In 1882- 
he was elected president of the Jersey City and Bergen Railroad Company. At 
that time, and for many years, this company had been operating the Jersey 
City street railway system in an unsatisfactory and unprofitable manner. Under 
Mr. Thurston's management the road was rebuilt and restocked. The same 
success which had followed his efiforts in his private business resulted from his 
management of the railroad and when it was sold to the present conijjany, the 
stock brought an average of 400. On April 14, 1859, Mr. Thurston married Lida, 
a daughter of the late James J. Armour, of New York; she is still living. They 
have no children. Mr. Thurston is a Thirty-second Degree Scottish Rite 
Mason, and a member of the New Jersey Consistory. He was made a Mason 
in Eureka Lodge, No. 39, F. A. M., in Newark, in 1858, and served several years 
as secretary. He affiliated with I'.ergen Lodge, No. 47. in Jerseys City, and be- 
came Master of the Lodge in 1879. He was elected High Priest of Union 
Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M., of Newark, in 1864, and is representative of the 
Grand Chapter of Nevada in the Grand Chapter of New Jersey, and representa- 
tive of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin in the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. He 
is chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee on Jurisdiction of Lodges: also 
a member of the Masonic Veterans of New York. He is a member of the 
Carteret Club in Jersey City, of the Lawyer's Club of New York, and a member 
of the Metropolitan :\iuseum of Art. In June, 1888, he was appointed by the 
late Manning M. Knapp, then a justice of the Supreme Court, as one of the 
Hudson County Park Commissioners, and was elected president of the hoard, 

19 



290 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

which position he retained as long as the board was in existence. He is now- 
one of the Commissioners of Adjustment, having been appointed by Judge 
\\'erts in 1892. to succeed W'ilham Aluirheid. deceased, and is one of the three 
commissioners from the State of New Jersey associated with three from the 
State of New York, for the preservation of the PaHsades of the Hudson. He is 
president of the Fayetteville Water Light and Power Company of North Caro- 
lina; president of the Port Richmond and Bergen Point Ferry Company; 
president of the Millstone and Xew Brunswick Railroad Company, and is a di- 
rector or trustee in a large number of corporations, and is receiver for several 
companies. 



EDWARD WESTON. 



This distinguished inventor and electrician was born at Brynn Castle, near 
the town of Oswestry. Shropshire. England, on ]\Iay 9. 1850. His parents were 
moderately well-to-do people and owned a good but not very large farm. His 
father was a man of quite remarkable mechanical skill and possessed of consid- 
erable originality. He was particularly skillful in the use of tools and well 
known as a man who could do excellent work in wood, metals or other ma- 
terials. Indeed, his father was a mechanical genius of a rather high order, but 
lacked persistence and force of character. His mother, however, was a woman 
C'f great force of character and unusual business ability and tact 

\Mien young \\'eston was about seven years old his grandfather died, and a 
bitter dispute arose between his father's brother and his father in regard to the 
division of the estate, and long and expensive litigation ensued, which finally re- 
sulted unfavorably to his father. Shortly after the termination of the suit the family 
decided to move out of Shropshire, and later settled in the thriving mining, me- 
tallurgical and industrial town of \\'olverhampton, in StafTordshire. What 
appeared to be the father's misfortune proved to be the boy's good fortune; 
for the removal from Shropshire to Staffordshire resulted in bringing the boy 
into contact with the intense activity of a busy manufacturing, mining and me- 
tallurgical center, with the result that in a short time his impressionable but 
keenlv logical mind became much interested in the processes and operations con- 
nected with the numerous mining metallurgical, chemical and mechanical in- 
dustries carried on in that section of the coimtry; and no detail connected there- 
with appeared to escape his attention, nor was he satisfied until he knew the 
reason for every operation and comprehended the principles involved. His 
studious character and inquiring mind soon attracted general attention, and he 
quickly became acquainted with a number of the most prominent manufacturers 
and scientific men in that neighborhood and was always welcome to their 
establishments. Young \\'eston was recognized at once as being very different 
from other boys. His spare time was sedulously given to keen observation, 
close study and to experimental and constructive work, and much of the latter 
was characterized by excellent and marked originality. 

His primary education was obtained at the schools of the Established 
Church, but later he received careful training under the care of a verv able man 




'ui> CtJ-ClliCci.c;n 



A Struck Ln^isver 




BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 291 

of the name of Lucas. At a later period he attended the St. Peter's Collegiate In- 
stitute and while there was under the care of Mr. Henry Orton, B. A., who 
was an enthusiastic teacher, and a man of varied scientific attainments. Mr. Or- 
ion's example and teaching greatly stimulated young Weston's desire for scien- 
tific knowledge, thus giving increased impetus to his strong mental inclinations. 

The boy was always fascinated by machinery of all kinds and took great 
pleasure in studying the motions and functions of the respective parts, and was 
never satisfied until he had fully mastered the underlying principles and mode 
of operations of any machine he saw. He became apt in the use of tools and 
constructed excellent model steam-engines and other appliances. 

When about nine years old he obtained a copy of Smee's "Elements of 
Electro ^letallurgy," and at once became interested in the elctro disposition 
of metals, devoting much time to the experimental study of the subject. In 
this way a great many new chemital facts and theories were brought to his at- 
tention, and chemistry and electro-chemistry became of great and really ab- 
sorbing interest to him. He soon took up the special study of chemistry with 
great ardor and fitted up a room in his father's house as a laboratory, and much 
of his spare time was spent in most earnest work in that direction. His early 
experiments and study of electro-metallurgy naturally made him desirous of ob- 
taining a further knowledge of the wonderful force which so quietly brought 
about such remarkable phenomena as the separation of metals from their salts 
m solutions, and he began a special course in electricity, and constructed with 
iiis own hands the various machines and apparatus necessary for an experi- 
mental investigation of the laws governing its generation and action. His first 
efforts were in that branch known as static electricity, and he constructed the 
various forms of frictional machines then employed for transforming mechanical 
energy into electrical energy. He soon acquired a very full knowledge of all 
the phenomena of static electricity and of the then prevalent theories to account 
for its production and the phenomena of its action. 

Later he took up in the same thorough manner the study of dynamic elec- 
tricity. In this branch of work his mechanical skill, ingenuity and originality 
became more apparent and he constructed most of the then known forms of ap- 
paratus needed for illustrating the production and mode of action of this subtile 
force. He constructed and studied the various forms of primary batteries, 
electric motors, electric bells, induction coils, electric clocks, telegraph instru- 
ments and small magneto-electric generators. He was an indefatigable worker, 
a most industrious man and earnest student and absorbed information on every 
subject very rapidly. To produce the insulated wire necessary for making the 
various electro-magnetic apparatus needed, he designed and built a very simple 
and efficient wire-covering machine. 

Any difficulties encountered always stimulated him to greater effort, and he 
always made it a rule to accomplish everything he undertook. To illustrate 
with what persistence and perseverance he would pursue a subject, the following 
may be instanced: His first voltaic battery consisted of two cells, the negative 
elements of which were a pair of old copper scale pans, and the positive elements 
consisted of thin sheet zinc, such as is commonly used for making zinc utensils. 
He was somewhat disappointed at the smallness of the spark obtained from these 
cells and the rapiditv with which their activity decreased. .\fter constructing 



292 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

other and better forms of copper-zinc batteries and becoming more full}' aware 
of their defects, he was anxious to construct the more advanced type of two 
fluid cells, known as the Grove or Bunsen. The Grove form was out of the 
question, on account of the high cost of platinum, and the Bunsen form seemed 
to be beyond his reach on account of the difficult}- of obtaining properly shaped 
carbons in those early days. But young Weston resolved to make the carbons 
himself. His first step was to visit the gas works in search of a suitable mass 
of the most dense form of artificial carbon known, which is formed as a trouble- 
some lining on the interior surfaces of the retorts in which the coal for making 
illuminating gas is subjected to destructive distillation. He found what he re- 
quired and took it home in triumph, but on attempting to saw out a suitable 
shaped piece he found it so e.xtremely hard that he was reluctantly compelled 
to abandon that method, and set to work to chip out from the abdurate mate- 
rial pieces of carbon of the required shape and size, and after some failures and 
days of patient labor, he finally secured two fairly well shaped pieces. Porous 
cells were fortunately more easily obtainable, and these he secured from the 
chief operator of one of the telegraph companies in town. Zinc plates of the 
proper thickness were obtained from a zinc-working establishment. Some 
home-made contacts, or terminals, and some glass jars completed the mechanical 
parts of the battery. After securing the necessary acids and cleaning and 
amalgamating the zinc plates, the two cells were set up and young Weston felt 
amply repaid for the labor and time expended, by the possession of a battery 
which enabled him to melt wires, explode gun powder and perform most of the 
then known electrical experiments in a quite satisfactory way. Armed with 
this quite powerful battery, his e.xperiments and studies were carried on with 
much greater ease and vigor than before, and he proceeded to construct the 
more usual forms of apparatus employed for exhibiting and studying the phe- 
nomena and laws of dynamic electricity. He also constructed and operated a 
small telegraph line, in which the wires were insulated from their wooden sup- 
ports by glass insulators made from necks of vials. 

About this time steam propulsion on common roads was again attracting 
attention, and one of the principle difficulties appeared to be that of the cutting 
of and consequent serious injury to the surface of the roads by the propelling 
wheels. Young Weston suggested that this could be entirely overcome by the 
use of sufficiently thick, wide rubber tires which he claimed would roll and pack 
the material of the surfaces of the roadway, thus improving rather than injuring 
it. Owing to the expensive nature of the experiments, young Weston could 
not undertake them personally, and no one then appeared to believe that the 
rubber tire would accomplish the results predicted by him. We are now in a 
position to judge of the value of the suggestion, for the bicycle and other wide 
rubber-tired vehicles tend to improve the road by rolling and packing in the 
maiuier he claimed 

Before young Weston was quite sixteen years of age he had acqiured 
siich an intimate knowledge of the then known facts concerning the generation 
and action of electricity, and had constructed such a large quantity of apparatus 
that he was induced to deliver a public lecture on the subject, which attracted 
much attention and made him quite well known in the district in which he lived. 

Later on the question of a suitable profession for the young man began to 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 293 

receive serious consideration, and from the different views of his parents and him- 
self, it was evident that it was not going to be an easy matter to select a line of 
work which would meet with the approval of all. The boy had a strong liking 
for some profession which would permit him to use to the best advantage such 
scientitic knowledge and mechanical skill as he had acquired, and to give full 
scope to the inventive faculty and capacity for original scientific investigation 
which he felt certain he possessed. He had a strong preference for something 
akin to mechanical engineering, in which he thought he saw ample scope for 
the full play of his powers, and for the continuance of his beloved studies. In 
this and kindred lines he felt certain of brilliant success, and felt assured that he 
could be of more use to his fellow men in some line of work in which the useful 
applications of science were most marked, than he could in other fields of labor. 
But his parents positively disliked to see him take up a line of work which 
savored so much of the dirt and grease of the machine shop. 

While the matter was under consideration a prominent dentist named Owen, 
who was well acquainted with the family, and who had noticed the boy's me- 
chanical genius and skill, considered it would be a wise thing for him to learn 
dental surgery, thinking that he would there find abundant scope for his abilities. 
With this idea in view, young Weston was placed in his care, but it was soon 
discovered that the young man's tastes lay in quite another direction, and that 
he very much disliked the business. His parents now desired him to take up 
the study of medicine, and conformably thereto made an arrangement with Drs. 
Edward H. and J. M. Coleman, both men of distinguished ability in their calling, 
and both possessing considerable taste for science. Under their care the young 
man pursued his medical studies, his taste for scientific knowledge thereby nat- 
urally being fostered. The system of medical education in England was then 
rather different from what it is in this country. In addition to attending lec- 
tures it was necessary, in order to graduate in England as a fully fledged medi- 
cal practitioner, to be associated for the space of at least three years with some 
duly qualified practitioner in regular service. Usually these two requirements 
v>-ere met during the same period of time, the student, while attending lectures, 
etc., giving part of his time to attending to minor surgical cases and other gen- 
eral work, as an assistant to some regular practitioner. In young Weston's case 
it soon became evident that he would never follow medicine as a profession, 
since most of his spare hours were still devoted to his favorite studies, and be- 
cause the drudgery of the profession and the uncertainty still lingering about its 
results were equally distasteful to him. Medicine is pre-eminetly an art, and 
will not, because of the complexity of the phenomena with which it deals, attain 
the dignity of an exact science for many years yet to come. 

The apparent want of stability on young Weston's part led to considerable 
trouble with his parents: they never seemed to have completely understood the 
boy's powers, or they would certainly not have endeavored to force him into a 
profession he evidently disliked. After giving three years of his time to medi- 
cal studies, and finding little sympathy with any with whom he was brought in con- 
tact, he determined to cut loose from his home and strike out for himself. This 
he considered he could do better by leaving England entirely. He, therefore, 
packed up his things, and left for this country some time in the month of May, 
1870. 



2y4 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

He arrived in America witli comparatively little money, some few books and 
some of his favorite apparatus, and a few letters of recommendation. Armed 
with these letters, he started for some of the institutions of learning in and 
around New York, and applied for a situation, among others to Professor 
Chandler, of Columbia College. Chandler treated him with great considera- 
tion, but could not give him anything to do. He gave him letters to a number 
of concerns in New York, which concerns Weston next visited, but without 
receiving the least encouragement. After several months of fruitless effort he 
began to fully realize the difficulties attendant upon beginning life anew in a 
strange country, but he did not become discouraged. After about a year of 
fruitless effort he secured a position at a very small salary with a small firm of man- 
ufacturing chemists in New York, which position he retained until a better one 
was offered him by the American Nickle Plating Company, a company which was 
engaged in trying to establish the nickle plating industry on a commercial basis. 
Nickle plating was then a novelty, and in the experimental stage, and the pro- 
cess was most uncertain, and good work was inore the result of good luck than 
intelligent action, and the methods employed were of the crudest character. 

The young man had at last found a place which would serve to prove 
whether the confidence in himself (which led him to the daring, and apparently 
foolish move of leaving home, friends and brilliant prospects) was well placed 
or misplaced. Luckily young Weston foimd that in the nickle plating enter- 
prise there was much need for a man of his calibre; and his skill, knowledge 
and ingenuity were soon brought into play to overcome the then really serious 
difficulties encountered in carrying on the operations and trying to lay a founda- 
tion of a new industrial art. It was not long before he had effected such im- 
provements as to attract the attention of the executive officers of the company, 
who quickly began to detect in the modest and quiet man elements of sterling 
worth and ability of a very high order, and he soon was looked upon as an oracle 
to be consulted on all matters connected with the technical side of business. In 
about a year he revolutionized the technical branch of the business and invented 
new processes for treating and preparing the work preparatory to plating, which 
greatly reduced the cost, removed all uncertainty in regard to the quality of the 
resulting work, and improved the quality and beauty of finish to an extent which 
has never since been excelled. In fact nearly every detail of the practical 
processes of nickle plating as now practiced was either entirely worked out by 
Weston or so greatly improved as to forever bear the impress of his mind. In 
the early stages of the business much loss and annoyance was caused by the 
strong tendency of the nickle coating to "strip" or peel ofif the surface of the 
plated articles, and in the case of some metals and alloys it seemed to be prac- 
tically impossible to secure firm adhesion of the nickle deposit to the underlying 
metal. Air. Weston made strenuous efforts to discover the causes of these 
failures, and to devise processes of treatment of the work which would insure 
perfect adhesion of the deposit to any metal or alloy which it was desired to 
plate. By radically changing the methods of preparing work, and modifying 
the treatment according to the chemical nature of the metal or alloy to be plated, 
he succeeded in reducing the cause of all failures to secure firm adhesion to the 
simple one of carelessness on the part of the employes. Prior to the time of 
Mr. Weston's labors, the successful nickle plating of large or intricate pieces was 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF iNEW JERSEY. 295 

an exception, and failure the rule. When the deposit peeled from the surface 
of an article, it was practically impossible to replate that particular spot in a 
manner which could insure satisfaction; and to replate the entire article was 
the ohly proper course to pursue. To do this, however, it was necessary to 
remove every vestige of the original nickle plating, and to repolish the surface 
of the article. The removal of this defective nickle coating was one of great 
labor and expense, because it was then only possible to remove it by mechanical 
means, such as grinding or other methods of abrading. With intricate or 
delicate work, this was practically impossible, on account of the very high cost, 
and this was equally true of the larger articles, so that it was frequentl}- cheaper 
to pay the manufacturer of the article the full amount of its value, rather than 
attempt to free its surface from the defective coating and refinish and replate 
it. IMr. Weston changed all this by devising a most ingenious chemical means 
of completely dissolving the nickle coating without injuriously effecting the 
surface of the underlying metal. It then became a simple matter to repolish 
and replate the article. We will endeavor to explain the process. Nickle is 
very slowly acted upon and dissolved by sulphuric acid. Hydrochloric acid acts 
upon it and dissolves it more readily, and nitric acid attacks it very vigorously 
and dissolves it very rapidly. To attempt to dissolve the nickle coating by the 
action of sulphuric acid would result in failure from two causes; first, be- 
cause the process would be very slow and, therefore, impracticable, and second 
because in most cases, the sulphuric acid would attack the metal of which the 
article was composed with such vigor as to seriously injure or destroy it before 
the whole of the nickle coating could be removed. The same is true in re- 
gard to the hydrochloric (muriatic) acid. Nitric acid is practically useless for 
such purposes, because it attacks most of the metals from which articles to be 
nickle plated are made, with even greater vigor than it attacks nickle; conse- 
quently it would ruin the article before the nickle coating was removed. But 
Mr. Weston's successful plan involved the use of nitric acid, and the controlling 
of, or so regulating its action as to make it impossible for the nitric acid to injure 
or even sensibly effect the surface of the inferior metal of which the article was 
composed. This was accomplished by using a combination of nitric and sul- 
phuric acid in such proportions as would result in the formation of a coating 
of anhydrous or partly anhydrous salts of the inferior metals, which salts acted 
as an effective protective coating against possible further action of the acid on 
the metal of the article, but which, nevertheless, permitted the nitric acid to 
act upon and remove the nickle coating. In this way it was found perfectly 
possible to remove easily and completely nickle deposits from even such easily 
oxidizable positive metals as zinc and iron or steel, without injury to the article. 
This process of chemical stripping is in use throughout the world, and but few of 
its users know who invented it. W'ith a little care in mixing the acids in proper 
proportions, it may be used to strip the nickle coating from the most intricate 
and delicate articles without the slightest injury thereto. 

Mr. Weston has made many other improvements and quite important dis- 
coveries in electro-desposition, but we cannot deal with them in this brief general 
review of this work. Let it suffice to add that he soon became recognized in 
this country as an authority in everything pertaining to the art of electro-plating 
and electro-nietallurp'v in e^eneral. and that to him more than to anv other man is 



296 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

due the honor of founding the vast nickle plating industry of this country and 
the world. 

If at that period of his life he had recognized the importance of patenting 
his inventions and discoveries, he would have received a princely income from 
them. 

After having brought the nickle plating art to such a condition that it be- 
came nierelv a matter of routine working according to his plans in order to se- 
cure perfect results, he began, in the year 1872, a rigid study and experimental 
investigation of the dynamo-electric machine, primarily with the intention of 
producing a moderately efficient, simple and low-cost machine, adapted to re- 
place the initially cheap but costily to maintain, and quite irregular source of 
electricity, primary batteries. 

In December, 1872, he formed a partnership with a Air. Harris, of New 
Y'ork, for the purpose of carrying on a general electro-plating business in the 
City of New York, and he continued in this business until about July, 1875. 
During these years he still pursued his studies on dynamo-electric machines, 
and built and put into practical use cjuite a number of such machines. In one 
of the very first of these machines, which was put to practical use quite early 
in 1873, he employed the method of field regulation which is now so generally 
used; namely, a variable, manually controllable resistance coil in the field cir- 
cuit of the machine. 

In 1873 he made a number of experiments in electric arc lighting with 
currents obtained from dynamo-electric machines of his own design and con- 
struction, and it was then that he prepared the first copper-coated carbon for 
arc-lighting purposes: which form of carbons has since been so extensively used 
throughout the world. He devoted much time to a most careful study and 
experimental investigation of the elements afifecting the efficiency of dynamo- 
electric machines and carefully investigated the various sotirces and causes of 
loss in said machines. In regard to the sources of loss, he arrived at the con- 
clusion that the most serious one of all was the production of ci rrrnts in the 
masses of metal not included in the working inductive circuits. In other words 
Mr. Weston's investigations led him to fully recognize the fact that all types 
of magneto-electric and dynamo-electric machines had two major electrical cir- 
cuits One of these circuits may be called the "useful circuit." and it includes 
the inductive conductor, which is the seat of transformation of the whole of that 
portion of the mechanical energy delivered to the machine, of which more or 
less is finally available for useful work, the other circuit being constituted of the 
masses of iron and other metals composing the armature, pole piece and other 
parts of the machine subject to changes of condition of magnetic flux. The 
latter named circuit, or more properly group of circuits, constituted in most 
machines a series of short completely closed conductors, in which comparatively 
small potential differences were set up; but, since the resistance of these circuits 
was necessarily very low, the strength of current flowing in them was simply 
enormous, and the energy value of such currents was consequently very large. 

It is manifest, therefore, that the total mechanical energy delivered to such 
machines was also divided into two major portions, corresponding to these two 
major electrical circuits; one portion of the mechanical energy being trans- 
formed into electrical energv hv the inductive conductor, available for useful 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 297 

work in tlie circuit exterior to the machine to a greater or lesser extent, accord- 
ing to the conditions of demand. The other portion of the mechanical energy 
delivered to the machine was also transformed into electrical energy, but only 
in such places as to render it unavailable for useful work. This latter named 
portion of the electrical energy was directly transformed into heat in the various 
parts of the machine in which the useless currents were induced. 

Mr. Weston found by quite careful investigations that, other things being 
alike, the elSciency of a machine, as a transformer of mechanical into electrical 
energy, was quite accurately expressed by the ratio of the electrical energy rep- 
resented in these two major electrical circuits. The circuit including the inductive 
conductor may very properly be called the "working" or the "useful circuit" 
and the other circuit or circuits may be called the "dissipating or wasteful cir- 
cuit;" since all the energy appearing in such circuit or circuits, is dissipated 
or wasted as heat. 

By a series of neat but quite simple experiments he determined, with suf- 
ficient accuracy for all practical work, the loss in the several parts of different 
forms of machines, and fully established the fact that the place where the prin- 
cipal loss took place was (in most machines) in the iron core of the armature and 
other masses of metal attached thereto, but not including the inductive conduc- 
tor. He also found that there was considerable loss in the field-magnet pole- 
pieces. These investigations also brought out the important fact that the ca- 
pacity of a given machine to transform mechanical energy into electrical energy 
available for useful work was seriously restricted by the production of these 
wasteful currents in the masses of metal in the armature or other parts of the 
machine. The effect of this serious restriction of the capacity of transformation 
was to greatly limit the electrical output of the machine per pound of metal em- 
ployed, and therefore to add greatly to the first cost of the machines. 

The cost of electrical energy, per unit, was greatly affected by this large 
loss of energy in the form of useless currents produced in the various masses of 
metal in the machine, and also by the enhanced first cost of the machines, owing 
to this resulting very limited capacity per unit of weight. 

To eliminate these losses, Mr. Weston made those parts of the machines 
which were subject to change in condition of magnetic flux discontinuous in 
the direction in which the currents tended to flow. In other words, he 
split up the masses of iron and other metals in the armature and other parts of 
the machines in such a manner as to make it impossible for currents to be in- 
duced in such parts: and he thereby entirely prevented the enormous waste of 
energy in these parts, and consequently greatly increased the efficiency and also 
the transforming and useful output capacity of the dynamo-electric machine. 

The splitting up of the iron masses was made in a direction such as not to 
sensibly interfere with the magnetic flux; the iron being continuous in the di- 
rection of flux but discontinuous in a direction at right angles thereto. The 
splitting up of the iron core of the armature for the purpose named was done 
by Mr. Weston in the early part of 1873; but he was too poor and too much 
occupied in making a living to attempt to carry it out on a large scale until 
some years later. He built a large macliine embodying this feature, which ma- 
chine was put into successful operation in July, 1874. The result of Mr. Wes- 
ton's tarlv sti:dies and investigations on d\namo-electric machines led him to the 



298 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

following general conclusions: First: To secure the most efficient possible 
dynamo-electric machine, it is aljsolutely essential to design and construct the 
machine so as to completely avoid closed conducting circuits in any part of the 
machine which is subject to a change in the condition of magnetic flux, or which 
moves in the magnetic field, except the circuit constituting the inductive con- 
ductor. Second: Other things being equal, that machine will be the most 
efficient in which the electro-motive force is greatest per vmit length of inductive 
conductor. Third : That the electro-motive force per unit length of inductive con- 
ductor is dependent upon and is proportional to its velocity. Fourth : That the 
electro-motive force per unit length of inductive conductor is also dependent 
upon and is directly proportioned to the strength of the magnetic field in which 
said inductive conductor is moved. Fifth; That by rigidly complying with the 
conditions named in the first clause, and either increasing the velocity of the 
inductive conductor or increasing the strength of the magnetic field in which 
the conductor is moved, or both, the efficiency of the machine could be increased, 
and its capacity of transformation also increased. Sixth: That within quite 
wide limits the efficiency of dynamo-electric machines is dependent of the rela- 
tive amounts of iron and copper used in them, but if light portable machines 
are required, it is necessary to use a relatively large proportion of copper to iron, 
whereas if weight is no objection, less copper and more iron can be used with 
marked advantage as to first cost. 

It is unquestionable that Mr. Weston was the first man to make a careful 
study of the sources of loss in such machines, but he was also the first to get 
a clear conception of the relative amount of loss in different parts of the machines 
and to devise means of avoiding such loss, and that he was also the first one to 
build machines having an efficiency of conversation of ninety-five per cent, and 
a working or net commercial efficiency very closely approaching that. 

To Mr. Weston is, therefore, due the honor of having made the dynamo- 
electric machine for the transformation of one form of energy into another. 



HENRY LATIMER JANEWAY, 

Born in Philadelphia in 1824, is the son of Rev. Jacob Jones Janeway, D. D., and 
Martha Gray Leiper. He is in the fourth generation from ancestor Wni. Janeway, 
born in London, England, who was stationed at New York in i6g6, an officer 
on board his Brittanic Majesty's ship, Richmond. While stationed there he 
purchased, in 1698, of William Merritt, Mayor of New York, an estate which 
was situated in the present sixth ward of New York City. He married Mrs. 
DeMier, nee Agnes DeKay. Returning to England in 1699, after settling his 
affairs there and again returning to New York, he v\'as entrusted by the Crown 
with the charter of the Trinity church: was appointed a vestryman by the 
Crown: was on the Building Committee in erecting the first church, and he and 
his wife are buried in Trinity church yard. 

His only son, Jacob, born April i, 1707, the great-grandfather of Henry 
L., with his wife Sarah, daughter of George and Catherine Hoagland, of New 
York, moved to Somerset county, New Jersev, and settled at Middlebrook, and 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 299 

owned tlie mil! and store there. He died in March, 1746, and Hes buried in 
the Piscataway Episcopal church yard. His surviving son, George, the grand- 
father of Henry L., born in Somerset county in 1741, was educated in Somer- 
ville, New Jersey, and when he attained his majority went to New York to 
recover the estate belonging to his ancestor, William Janeway. After many 
law suits he succeeded in recovering the property, married Efifie Ten Eyck, and 
resided in New York until the British took possession of the city. Being a 
captain in the Twenty-second Regiment, New York Militia, and having taken 
an active part in the Revolutionary struggle, the British drove him and his fam- 
ily out of New York, took possession of his residence, and painted the letter "R" 
(Rebel) on the front door. He removed his family to New Brunswick, New 
Jersey, where he resided for a period in the "Old Mansion" called "Buccleugh," 
now belonging to the heirs of the late Colonel Warren Scott. He returned 
to New York with General Washington when he took possession of the city on 
the evacuation of the British army, and resided there until his death in 1826. 

Jacob Jones Janeway, father of Henry L., and a son of the preceding, born 
November 20, 1774, was graduated from Columbia College, New York, studied 
for the ministry under the Rev. John H. Livingston, and was called to the Sec- 
ond Presbyterian church in F'hiladelphia. He remained in that charge thirty 
years, was subsequently a professor in Alleghany City Theological Seminary, 
was one year settled pastor of the First Reformed Dutch church of New Bruns- 
wick, and two years settled pastor of the Market street Reformed Dutch church 
of New York City. In 1834 he was appointed vice-president of Rutgers Col- 
lege, New Brunswick, where he resided until his death, June 27, 1858. 

Henry L. Janeway's mother, Martha Gray, was a daughter of Thomas 
Leiper, of Philadelphia, First Sergeant Philadelphia City Troop, who partici- 
pated in many battles of the Revolution. Two of his brothers, Thomas L. Jane- 
way, D. D., and John L. Janeway, D. D., the former deceased, were distinguished 
clergymen; George J. Janeway, AI. D., also deceased, was an eminent phy- 
sician. 

Henry L. Janeway was graduated from Rutgers College, New Brunswick, 
in 1844, and received the honorary degree of A. AI. in 1847. Upon leaving col- 
lege he chose a business career, engaging in manufacturing, which he followed 
successfully during his entire business life, having retired therefrom during the 
last few years. 

In 1862 Mr. Janeway was elected trustee for Rutgers College. He was a 
member of the Board of Education for twenty-two years, and president of the 
same for seven years. In 1876 he was appointed by Governor Bedle a member 
of the Centennial Commission of New Jersey. He has been trustee of the First 
Presbyterian church for thirty-five years, and president of the Board of Trustees 
for the last seven years. He is now first vice-president of the New Jersey So- 
ciety of the Sons of the American Revolution; a Fellow of the American Geo- 
graphical Society of New York, a member of the Society of the Institute of 
Civics in New York, and a member of the New Jersey Historical Society; of 
the Board of Trade of New Brunswick; and also a member of the A\'ashington 
Association of Morristown, New Jersey. He has been a Mason since 1848. 

In 1848 he was married to Catharine A., daughter of Rev. Gustavus Abeel, 
D. D., and granddaughter of Abraham \'an Nest of New York. Thev have 



300 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

three children — Mrs. Katharine Weston, Henry L., Jr.. a manufacturer of Xew 
Brunswick, and Helen Hamilton. 



JOHN AND EDWARD H. RADEL. 

Within the last generation electricity has played so important a part in the 
manufacturing, commercial and industrial world, that those prominently identi- 
fied with its development, will always be regarded as historical characters. As 
an electric street railway manager, Mr. Edward H. Radel ranks, perhaps, as 
prominent as any man in the State of Xew Jersey. 

He was born of German parentage in the City of Xewark, June 30th, 
1866, and is a son of John and Mary (Bruckner) Radel, the latter being a daugh- 
ter of Joseph and Mary Bruckner, of Xewark. John Radel was born in Ba- 
varia, Germany, Xovember 22d, 1822, and emigrated to the United States in 
1845. He landed in X'ewark, Xew Jersey, with the sum total of twenty-five 
cents as the cash capital with which to begin life in the Xew World. He 
was possessed, however, of the qualities of industry, perseverence and business 
capacity, as his subsequent career emphatically proved. He obtained his first 
employment in a bakery, saved his earnings, and when he had sufficient capital 
embarked in the coal business and later on in the grocery trade, in both of which 
pursuits he was remarkably successful. In 1875, '^^ purchased the Xewark and 
South Orange Street Railway from Eugene Kelly, the well-known Xew Y'ork 
banker and operated the railroad on his own account until 1893, when he sold 
it to a corporation organized for its purchase, and of which Elias Ward was 
elected president. A large portion of the bonds issued by this corporation 
were paid to Mr. Radel as part of the purchase price of the property. The lat- 
ter years of his life were spent in retirement in the enjoyment of an ample com- 
petence. His family consisted of three daughters and two sons, namely: 
Mary, now Mrs. John F. ^McDonough; Blondina, now Mrs. John Sanders; 
Andrew, president of the Bridgeport Traction Company, and a director and 
vice-president of the Brunswick Traction Company: Agnes, now Mrs. John Mc- 
Kenna, and 'Edward H. 

Edward Ti. Radel received his preliminary education at St. Mary's Cath- 
olic School at X'ewark. He afterwards attended St. Benedict's College and 
the Xew Jersey Business College of Xewark. While in attendance at the latter 
institution, Mr. Radel became financially interested in the Xewark and South 
Orange Railway Company, of which his brother Andrew was superintendent, 
and upon his graduation from College became its treasurer, which position he 
retained until 1893, when the road was sold by his father, as above stated. 

. Prior to this, however, in May, 1891, he was elected secretary and treasur- 
er of the Brunswick Tranction Company, and fecretary and treasurer of the Xew 
Brunswick City Railway Company, as well as general manager of both corpora- 
tions. The Brunswick Traction Company, the X'ew Brunswick City Railway 
Company, and the X"ew York & Philadelphia Traction Company are now Ijeing 
operated under one management. On May the 6th, 1895, they purchased the 
francliise of the X'^ew Brunswick City Railway Company, then operating only 




^Itr-^i^i^ (/Z-,^-.e^:^^^^ 





.^^^^^^-JS^^Z^^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 301 

three miles of street railroad — a horse-car line and poorly equipped. The mile- 
age was increased in i8y6 to fifteen miles with electricity as the motive power. 
The following year seventeen miles more were added, extending the line to Me- 
tuchen and Bound Brook. During the years 1896-1897 the Company came in 
conflict with the New York & Philadelphia Traction Company. The result 
of these conflicting interests was a series of law suits involving intricate and 
hitherto undecided points of law, the final outcome being, after much protracted 
litigation, the purchase of all rights and interests of the New York & Philadel- 
phia Traction Company by Judge Gottfried Krueger, Andrew Radel and Ed- 
ward H. Radel thus removing from the field all competition and making clear 
all rights and titles. In 1898, eighteen miles of track were added, extending 
the line through Bound Brook. Bridgewater, Somerville. Raritan, Piscataway 
and Dunellen, connecting with the Plainfield system. They have now more 
than fifty miles in operation and other extensions are in contemplation, notably 
a line from Bound Brook to Trenton. 

It is not too much to say that the elaborate street car system, devised and 
perfected under the management of ^Nlr. Radel, has infused new spirit and life 
into the City of New Brunswick; has put it in touch with all the surrounding 
towns and villages, and inaugurated a new era of advancement and enterprise. 

The plant with entire equipment is the most modern and perfect that can be 
obtained, and the system in its entirety will bear favorable comparison with any 
street car system in America or the world. Their power house and car house 
are located at Milltow-n, storage battery and car house at Bohnamtown, with 
another storage battery and car house at New Bound Brook. The system in 
use is the Westinghouse with two three hundred and fifty horse power engines. 

Mr. Radel's business affairs are too onerous to permit of his giving much 
time to political w'ork. He is, however, an ardent Democrat, and sincerely 
interested in the success of his party. He takes a deep interest in religious 
matters, and is an active member of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. He 
was married April 23d, 1889, to Annie M., daughter of \'alentine and Mary 
Fisher, of Newark. The\- have one son, Edward H , Jr., who was born .\ugust 
8, 1890. 

^Ir. Radel stands to-day one of the most enterprising and progressive men 
of the City of New Brunswick, and a fair type of that army of workers who are 
carrying forward the business afifairs of the world at a pace they never went 
before. 



JAMES VAN HORN, 



President of the ^'an Horn Furniture Company of Newark, New Jersey, was 
born in Danville. Warren county. New Jersey, on the 26th of April, 1844. His 
father was George \'an Horn, who was a highly respected citizen and carried on 
the cabinet and undertaking business in Danville, New Jersey, and married Mary 
Hull, a descendant of Revolutionary stock, and also of Commodore Hull, of the 
American Navy. The parents had the following children: Edward, .^mos H., 
John, James, Silas, Caroline, Minerva, Jane, Ida and Emma, the latter two 



302 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

twins. Four of the brothers were in the Civil War. Edward served in Clark's 
Battery (formerly Beans's), John served in the Second Xew Jersey Reg-iinent 
(Kearney's old brigade), and was captured at the second battle of Bull Run, 
afterwards parolled and sent to .\nnapolis, Maryland, and died at the age of 
twenty years and six months, from the effects of the Peninsular campaign; 
Amos H. served in the Twenty-sixth New Jersey Regiment, and James in the 
Thirteenth Xew Jersey Regiment. He began his education in the public scliools 
there and later continued his studies in the schools of Newark. When he was 
sixteen years of age he began to learn the printers' trade in the office of the 
"Daily Advertiser" of Newark, where he remained until August 9, 1862, when 
prompted by spirit of patriotism he offered his services to the government and as 
one of the "boys in blue" went to the front in defense of his country. 

Mr. \'an Horn was assigned to Company A, Thirteenth New Jersey Infan- 
try, was mustered in August 25, 1862, and was honorably discharged at Tren- 
ton, New Jersey, on the 28th of June, 1865. His regiment was organized at 
Camp Erelinghuysen, Newark, during the months of July and August; its of- 
ficers being Ezra Carman, Colonel, Robert S. Swords, Lieutenant Colonel, and 
Samuel Chadwick, Major. He left the State August 31, 1862, served in Gor- 
don's Third Brigade, Second Division, Bank's army corps, until September 6, 
1862, when the brigade was made a part of William's Division, Second army 
corps of the Army of Virginia. On the 12th of September, 1862, Mr. \'an 
Horn with his command was attached to the Third Brigade, First Division, 
Twelfth Army Corps; from January i, 1863, to February 5, 1863, was a mem- 
ber of the Reserve Division, Army of the Potomac; then a member of the 
Third Brigade, First Division, Twelfth Army Corps, Department of Cumber- 
land from October, 1863; next a member of the Second Brigade First Divi- 
sion Twentieth Army Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi from April, 
1864, and the left wing. Army of Georgia, from January, 1865. 

On the 8th of June, 1865, after an honorable war record 'Sir. \'an Horn 
was mustered out. 

Returning to his home he took up the pursuits of civil life, turning his atten- 
tion to the furniture business, which he has since followed. He was the 
founder of the \'an Horn Furniture Company, which was organized in 1891, and 
from the beginning he has fcrved as its president. Its success is due to his 
able management, keen forsight, splendid executive ability, earnest purpose and 
fidelity to the most honorable business principles; and the house is now enjoy- 
ing an era of prosperity which is well merited by the members of the company. 

Mr. \'an Horn has been twice married. His first union was with Miss 
Annie M. Waterhouse, a daughter of George and Elizabeth Waterhouse, and to 
them were born three children. William, who died at the age of three years 
and three months; George, who died at the. age of eleven months, and Charles 
\\'.. who was born in 1866. and died October 15. 1892, in Littleton, Colorado. 
He was for several years the vice-president of the \'an Horn Furniture Com- 
pany. The faithful wife and mother of these children died in 1873, ^'^^ ^"f' li^i" 
two youngest sons all d>ing within nine months. ;\Ir. Van Horn was again 
married at Newark, Januar\- i8th, 1875, to Emma Douglas Cox, widow of 
Thomas M. Cox, of Newark, New Jersey, and the daughter of .\biiah H. and 
Mary Mundy Douglas, both now deceased. .\bijah H. Douglas was a direct 





^!^^^^^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 303 

descendant of "Sholto Douglas," the Scotch warrior of Douglas Castle, Scotland, 
as recorded in the genealogical books of the Douglas family. Mary Alundy 
Douglas was descended from old Revolutionary stock from New Brunswick New 
Jersey. 

Mr. and Mrs. \'an Horn are consistent members of St. Paul's Methodist 
Episcopal church, and in his political belief he is stanch Republican. He be- 
longs to the Newark Republican Club, and to the Thirteenth Regiment \'eteran 
Association of Newark and thus renews the days when he followed the starry 
banner until the glorious ensign was planted in the capitol of Confederacy. 



HENRY LEMBECK 



Comes from that sturdy German stock which has contributed so largely to the 
growth and prosperity of America and to the stable character of her people. 
He is one of those who emigrated to this country from the "Fatherland" wdth 
only their brain and brawn for capital, but who have acquired wealth and hon- 
orable position by their abilities and industry in this country. 

The branch of the Lembeck family to which Mr. Lembeck belongs was 
settled in \\'arndorf, Westphalia, from which place his grandfather, John Bernard 
Lembeck, removed to Osterwick, in Munsterland. Here the father of Mr. 
Lembeck, also John Bernard, was born, and followed the trade of a cabinet- 
maker. He was married to Elizabeth \Yenning, of an old Osterwick family, 
and had the following children named in the order of their birth: Elizabeth, 
Catrina, Bernard. Henry and Joseph. C)f these, Mr. Henry Lembeck is the 
only one now living. 

He was born in C)sterwick, on the 8th day of April, 1826. He enjoyed 
an elementary education in the schools, but upon the death of his father, when 
he had reached the age of thirteen, he was taken from school and apprenticed 
to learn his father's trade of cabinet-making. The practical education, there- 
fore, which has been so serviceable to him in after life, was principally ac- 
quired by his own efforts, through experience and travel. 

He served nearly four years at his trade, working as a full journeyman 
during the latter part of his time. He planned then to go to Paris to perfect 
himself as a cabinet-maker, and at the same time to see something of life abroad. 
But just at this juncture he was drafted into the German army. His service as 
a soldier was amid stirring times. He entered the army in 1846, while during 
the following year the famous Revolution broke out in Germany. The people 
were groaning beneath the terrible burden of oppression and tyranny, which 
had been long borne in patience, but now could be endured no longer. 

Although himself a soldier, Mr. Lembeck was an active sympathizer with the 
cause of the people, and even participated in the agitation While stationed 
with his regiment, the 13th. at Munster he frequently took ofT his uniform, when 
ofif duty, donned citizen's clothes, and attended and spoke before insurrection- 
ary meetings. Had he been detected in this by his superiors, he would no doubt 
have been shot at once without mercv. The insurrection became general from 



304 LSKjGRAPHlCAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

the 17th of ^larch, 1848. when Berlin fell before the assaults of the people, and 
spread into the southern provinces. 

At length the activity of Mr. Lembeck became such that had he not left 
Germany he doubtless wmild have been disciplined for his revolutionary senti- 
ments. He obtained a furlou,i,di, and embraced a good opportunity to leave the 
country. Like Carl Schurz and (ieneral Franz Siegel. who were implicated on 
the side of the people in the same revolution, he came to .\merica. 

He landed in New York City, and at once began to work at his trade with 
the Herring Safe Company. Later he accepted a position as a grocer's clerk, 
in order thus to come in contact with the people, and learn the English language. 
His intelligent application and industry made him successful, and after remaining 
three years in the position of clerk he bought out another store and conducted 
a business on his own behalf. He was very successful, and thus continued for 
another three years, when he sold out, and removing to Jersey City, opened in 
in the same business there. He gradually enlarged his facilities and increased 
his business, yet finally changed his occupation once more to that of market- 
gardening. This he pursued on the outskirts of Jersey City for about four 
years. In the meantime he had also become an agent for the sale of beer 
brewed b\- John F. I!etz, of New York City, and this business grew upon his 
hands in a way to quite over-shadow the market-gardening enterprise. 

.At length, in 1869, a co-partnership was formed between himself and Mr. 
Betz, under the firm name of Lembeck & Betz, to establish a plant in Jersey 
City for the brewing of ale and porter. The first building was erected in 1870. 
It was about fifty feet square and only four stories high. Mr. Lembeck had 
the complete management of the business, assumed the full responsibility of its 
direction, and consequently must receive the credit for its success and growth. 

Two years after the original plant had been put in operation, a second 
building much larger was added to it. But the partnership had been arranged 
for a term of ten years, with an option of withdrawal at the end of this time 
if desired bv either partner. When the time came, however, the same 
arrangement was continued for another period of ten years. The business 
had constantly increased year by year, and in 1889 another important addition 
was made to the plant — a new brew house si.x stories in height, and fitted 
with all the improvements of that day. 

Nevertheless, while the business of this firm more than held its own, it 
became evident to Mr. Lembeck that the general use of ale as a beverage, on 
the whole, was on the wane, and giving way to the more popular lager beer. 
He determined to turn his energies toward the brewing of the latter beverage. 
His partner was somewhat solicitious for the result, but a start was never- 
theless made in 1889, as a stock company. The success was immediate, 
during the first year, and even exceeded the most sanguine expectations of 
Mr. Lembeck himself, not to speak of those who had never had his faith in the 
result. 

In -April, 1890. Mr. Lembeck reorganized his business in the shape of a 
stock company, of which he has ever since been president. During this same 
year, also, he erected another large building, for beer storage and refrigerator 
purposes. With these improvements his capacity of manufacture was 80,000 
barrels of lager beer, in addition to the ale output. In 1895 another new 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



305 



building, nearly equal in size to the last, was erected, which increased the 
capacity of the plant to 200,000 barrels of lager. The company also owns a 
malting plant with a capacity of 200,000 bushels, situated at the head of Seneca 
Lake, at Watkins, New York. 

Mr. John Betz is the \'ice-President of the Lenibeck & Betz Company, 
while Mr. Henry L. Kellers, a nephew of Mr. Lembeck, is the secretary and 
treasurer, and has been especially associated with Mr. Lembeck in its active 
management. He entered the service of the company as book-keeper some 
twenty-two years ago, and by his sterling business qualities and efficiency has 
assisted materially in its growth. 

Mr. Lembeck is also interested in the Third National Bank of Jersey City, 
of which he is \'ice-President, and one of the founders. He was also for a 
time \lce-President of the Title Guarantee Trust Company, of the same city, 
until the press of his own afifairs forced him to resign. He was elected Mce- 
President of the Colonial Insurance Company upon its organization in 1898. 
In April 1899 he was appointed Finance Commissioner of Jersey City, and is 
now President of the board. 

He has been engaged, also, in improving property in Jeresy City, and has 
built no less than 52 houses in recent years. He is his own architect, and 
designs the plan and superintends the construction of every house he builds. 
The principles of architecture he mastered years ago, when a journeyman cabi- 
net-maker in Germany and his technical knowledge and practical experience en- 
abled him to execute his own original designs. His own home, a spacious 
and elegant mansion, at 46 Columbia Place, Greenville, was built under his 
own designs and directions. 




RESIDE.NXE HEXRV LEMBECK. 



Mr. Lembeck has been twice married: first to Mary H. Beadle, of New 
York City, on February 6th, 1853, who died February 8th. 1870; and second, 
to Emma Kraus, of Jersey City, on the iith of July, 1871. By his first wife 
he had the following children: Mary E. (now Mrs. H. W. Harms), (1853); 
Henry F. (1856), who is the manager of the works of the Lembeck & Betz '^ '-•'■- 

20 



3o6 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

ing Company, of W'atkins. Xew York; Katie (1858), John W. (1859), who 
died in 1861; Albert B. (1861), \'ictor H. (1863). Lily Tracy (1865), who died 
in 1866: and Genevieve (1867), who died in 1868. By his present wife he has 
three children: Gustave (1873); Ida (1874): and Otto (1878). Gustave is now 
associated with his father in the brewing- business. Ida married Dr. Horace 
Bowen, a well-known physician of Jersey City, Jime 14th, 1899. Otto is now 
a student in Steven's Institute, studying mechanical engineering and elec- 
tricity. 

As a Democrat, and believing that party to be progressive in reforms, 
and yet conservative in g'.iard'ng the liberties of the people, he has taken an 
active interest in local politics. From 1876 to 1878 he served as a member of 
the Board of Commissioners of Public Works. He declined to accept the 
office for a second term, although persistently solicited. But again in 1882, 
the demand from the citizens in both parties was so urgent, that he again con- 
sented to accept the nomination, and was elected by a large vote. Notwith- 
standing the Board, as elected, consisted of four Republicans and two Demo- 
crats, Mr. Lembeck was chosen its President. 

He is a Catholic in religion, an honored member of St. Paul's church in 
Greenville, and a constant contributor to charities and benevolences, yet in 
the most unostentatious manner. 



COLONEL WILLIAM ELMER POTTER 

Was born at Bridgeton, New Jersey, on June 13th, 1840. 

His great grandfather, Matthew Potter, came to this country from the 
north of Ireland, where he had been driven by the Scottish persecutions, in 
1740 at the time of the great Presbyterian emigration. He settled in Phila- 
delphia, and there in 1744, Colonel David Potter, the grandfather of Colonel 
William E. Potter, was born. 

Colonel David Potter, when a young man, came to Bridgeton and soon be- 
came one of its most prominent citizens. He was principally a merchant, but 
took an active part in all business enterprises. Being greatly interested in 
the cause of the colonies he was appointed a Colonel and participated in the 
battles in and about New Jersey, being taken prisoner at the battle 
of Long Island, and confined in the "Jersey" hulk at New York. 
Towards the close of the Revolutionary War he was commissioned Brigadier- 
General. He was marshall of the United States Court of New Jersey, was one 
of the delegates to the state convention that ratified the Constitution of the 
United States, was Sheriff of the County of Ctmiberland, and a charter mem- 
ber of Brearley Lodge, F. A. AI. No. 2, and a Federalist. His wife was 
Sarah Boyd, of Scotch-Irish extraction, and was an aunt of Chief Justice 
Ewing. He died December loth, 1805. 

James Boyd Potter, father of Colonel William E. Potter, was born Febru- 
ary 7th, 1796, and spent his entire life in Bridgeton as a general merchant. In 
1818 he married Jane Barron of Scotish-Irish extraction from Centre county, 
Pennsvlvania. He was a Presbvterian and during his life had taken an active 




WILLIAM E. POTTER 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 307 

part in all public enterprises. Upon his death, October 25th, 1865 he was 
President of the Cumberland National Bank. 

Colonel William E. Potter, the subject of this sketch was the youngest son 
of James Boyd Potter. 

His youth was not especially eventful and was devoted to study, first at the 
public school, later at Harmony and West Jersey Academies. 

In 1857 he entered the office of Hon. John T. Xixon, as a law student, 
leaving there in 1859, in order to attend Harvard Law School, from wdiich he 
graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1861. In the fall of the same year he 
entered Princeton University (then College), but in June 1862, under the spur 
of patriotic ardor, he abandoned college and enlisted in Company K, 12th New 
Jersey \'olunteers. He was at once commissioned second Lieutenant and re- 
mainded in the service until after Lee's surrender, when he was mustered out 
with the rank of ^^lajor, June 4th, 1865. During much of this time Colonel 
Potter was on staff duty being upon the staffs of Brigadier-General Alexander 
Hays, Major-General French, Brigadier-General Thomas A. Smith, and Major- 
General John Gibbon. 

Colonel Potter participated in the following engagements: — Chancellors- 
ville, Gettysburg, Auburn, Bristow Station, Blackburns Ford. Locust Grove, 
campaign of Aline Run, Morton's Ford, Wilderness, (where he was severely 
wounded). Cold Harbor. Petersburg, Deep Bottom, Crater, Deep Bottom 
(second engagement). Ream's Station. Boydton Road, assault and capture of 
Petersburg. Rice's Station, and Appomattox Court House. 

By an order from headquarters. Twenty-fourth Army Corps, in company 
with live other officers, he was detailed to deliver the colors surrendered by Gen- 
eral Lee's army, twenty-six in number, to Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of 
\Var, on May ist, 1865, being the only New Jersey officer present. During 
his military career he received written commendations from his superiors many 
times, Major-General Winfield S. Hancock saying "a valuable officer and de- 
serving consideration." After the war he was on the stafif of Governor Marcus 
L. Ward with the rank of colonel. 

Colonel Potter received his degree of A. B. from Princeton in 1863. and 
A. M. in 1866. 

In November 1865 he was admitted to the bar of New Jersey and at once 
took a leading position. After practicing several years alone he formed a 
partnership with his nephew, which continued until January 1895. 

During his legal career Colonel Potter was interested as counsel in almost 
every case of any importance in South Jerse\-, and at his death was one of the 
leading members of his profession in the entire state. His mind was essen- 
tially a legal one, and his knowledge was very profound and thorough. He is 
the author of a sketch of Judge L. Q. C. Elmer, which was published by the 
New Jersev Historical Society. He was a delegate to the Republican National 
Convention at Chicago in 1868, and also to the convention held at Cincinnati 
in 1876. and an elector on the Garfield ticket in 1880. He was elected an 
honorary member of the Society of the Cincinnati of New Jersey, July 4th, 
1874, and was president of the New Jersey Union Officer's Association for 
1880. He was also a member of the Societv of the Armv of the Potomac, of 



3o8 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

the Lo_\al Legion, Commandery of Pennsylvania, of the G. A. R. Meade 
Post No. 2, and of Brearley Lodge F. A. M. No 2. 

On May 27th, 1869 he married AHce Augusta, daughter of Alfred D. D. 
and Jane (Wilcox) Eddy of ISTiles, Michigan. His wife's ancestors were of 
English e.xtraction. 

Colonel Potter died on November 9th, 1896 leaving surviving him a widow 
and five children: Alfred Eddy, James Boyd, David, Alice and Francis Dela- 
van. 

< )f all the members of his profession in the history of Cumberland County 
Colonel Plotter stood pre-eminently alone, and in his death at the early age 
of fifty-six, his city, county and state lost not only an able lawyer, but an ardent 
patriot, an earnest citizen and a gallant gentleman, whose place in society and 
in the public eye will not soon be filled. 



ROBERT S. RUDD. 



Occupying one of the delightful homes of Glen Ridge, and figuring as 
Mayer of the borough, is found the subject of this review, Hon. Robert S. 
Rudd, a New York lawyer, his office being at No. 35 Nassau street. 

Mr. Rudd is now in the prime of life. He was born May 14th, 1857, in 
New York City, son of Joseph and Eliza E. (Barnes) Rudd, both members of 
highly respected families, their origin being traced to England. Joseph Rudd 
was born in England, son of Richard Rudd, and came to America in boyhood, 
locating in New York City, where he grew to manhood and became a prominent 
and influential citizen. For many years, up to the time of his death, he was 
engaged in business on Maiden Lane. Mrs. Rudd's people emigrated to this 
country many years ago and located in New England. Her father, Erastus 
Barnes, was born in Connecticut. 

Robert S. Rudd was reared in his native city. When a boy he attended 
School No. 35 in the Ninth Ward, which at that time signified a great deal, 
the principal of that school being Thomas Hunter, now president of the Nor- 
mal College of New York City, and noted throughout the country as an educator. 
On completing his studies in this school, Mr. Rudd entered Hamilton College, 
at Clinton, Oneida County, New York, where he graduated in 1879. Then he 
went into the office of Rodman and Adams, in New York City, and diligently 
pursued the study of law. He was admitted to the bar in New York in 1882. 
immediately thereafter entered upon the practice of his profession, and for fiif- 
teen years has devoted his time and attention to the law, his line of practice being 
that of counsel and office work. • 

Mr. Rudd's residence as already stated, is located at Glen Ridge, and is an 
ornament to that place. It is constructed of red sandstone, is spacious and 
elegant, complete in all its appointments, and situated on Ridgewood avenue. 
Naturally Mr. Rudd is deeply interested in the town in which his beautiful 
home is located and where he spends his out-of-office hours, and he has long 
been appreciated as a public-spirited and enterprising citizen. In .\pril, 1895. 
in recognition of his sterling worth and fitness for the place, he was honored 




^^ 



0. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW TERSEY 



309 



by his fellow citizens with election to the office of Mayor of Glen Ridge, and at 
the expiration of his term of two years he was re-elected for another term. 
Politically in state and national matters, he acts with the Democratic party. 
He has served on the State Democratic Committee and the County Commit- 
tee, being a member of the former eight years. 

Mr. Riidd was married in 1884 to Miss Kate Skeer, of Chicago. Illinois, and 
thev have four children, two sons and two daughters. 



HON. QEORQE RICHARDS. 

Rising above the head of the masses of every community there have 
always been a series of individuals distinguished beyond others, who, by reason 
of their great ability and powerful individuality, have always commanded the 
homage of their fellow citizens, and who have revealed to the world at large those 
two bright virtues — perseverance in purpose and a spirit of conduct which never 
fails. The biographies of such men are of a necessity, a coi:iponent part of the 
history of their state, and the importance of preserving them in a complete and 
attractive form cannot be over-estimated. Throughout the State of New Jersey 
may be found many men who, on account of what they have accomplished 
in their particular walk of life, have won distinction and high position, and have 
reflected credit upon the commonwealth, and among them all probably the 
career of no single one illustrates more forcibly the possibilities that are open 
to a young man who jjossesses sterling business qualifications, than that of the 
Hon. George Richards, of Dover. The lesson taught by his career proves that 
neither wealth nor social position, nor the assistance of influential friends at the 
outset of life, is at all necessary to place a young man upon the road to success. 
It also proves that ambitious perseverance, steadfastness of purpose, and inde- 
fatigaljle industry, combined with sound business principles will be rewarded, 
and that true success follows individual efforts only. Mr. Richards' success 
has been great, and has been achieved in all walks of life. His life has been 
devoted to the highest and best efforts of human endeavor, and his career, 
both commercial, public and social, has been a credit to himself and associates. 
Every step he has taken has been an honorable tribute to industry, humanity 
and true manhood. He has not followed always in the beaten paths, but has 
struck out boldly and fearlessly, and his intelligence and his ambition have en- 
abled him to carve his way to a position in the front ranks of the distinguished, 
successful and honored men of New Jersey. -And all this has been accom- 
plished by his own efforts, unaided and alone. 

Mr. Richards is a native of the Keystone State. He was born in the year 
1833, in the mining town of Pottsville, and is the son of Henry and Hannah 
Richards, a mine operator. His youth was spent among the hills of Pennsyl- 
vania, and his nature partook of the ruggedness of his environments. His 
educational advantages were limited to the conmion schools of the neighl)or!iood 
which, at that early day were most primitive, and offered opportunity for only the 
rudiments of learning. While in his boyhood, young Richards was thrown 
upon his own resources, and went to work at the age of thirteen years to learn 



3IO BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

the trade of machinist. He worked at the apprenticeship for a period of three 
years, when he met with an accident losing his eye, and then abandoned it. 
He then went to Durham, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and engaged in min- 
ing for about a year. The Gundon Iron Company next sent him to Wiretown, 
New Jersey, to explore for iron ore. He continued his explorations to White- 
hall, Sussex county. New Jersey. The year 1851 found him employed in a 
mine at Hurdtown, New Jersey, operated by the Glendon Iron Company, a 
concern which then held extended interests in Northern New Jersey and Penn- 
sylvania. It was at this mine that Mr. Richards laid the foundation for that fund 
of practical knowledge which made possible his subsequent success and charac- 
terized all his endeavors. It was not long before his intelligence and close atten- 
tion to the duties assigned to him attracted the attention of his employers and 
received merited recognition at their hands. He was promoted in a short 
space of time from the position of weighmaster to that of shiftboss, the latter 
being at that time considered a position of great importance. , Yet the duties of 
the position fell far short of his capabilities, and his promotion to the office 
of superintendent of the mine followed soon afterwards. This promotion oc- 
curred in 1853, before young Richards had attained his majority, and was a 
most fitting acknowledgement of the remarkable industry, energy and ability 
displayed by him during his two years connection with the company. Not 
long after becoming superintendent Mr. Richards was made manager of all the 
Glendon Iron Company's interests in New Jersey, a position he filled with con- 
sununate skill and credit for a period of forty years. But even the duties of this 
most important position were performed by him with perfect ease, his capacity 
for executive ability not being taxed to anywhere near its limits. He learned 
his busienss from the foundation upwards; he started at the lowest round of the 
ladder, and as he progressed upward, being of an observing mind and naturally 
practical, he not only learned all that was to be learned, but his inventive genius 
conceived various methods for improvement. From time to time, after his 
appointment as manager, Mr. Richards identified himself with numerous other 
business ventures. When it was found that machinery was necessary in the 
operation of the mines he organized a company to build such machinery, and the 
Morris County Machine and Iron Company came into existence, with Mr. 
Richards as President of the company. The Dover Lumber Company followed 
as the next enterprise organized by Air. Richards, of which he was also Presi- 
dent. His next move on the chess-board of industry was the organization of 
the Dover Iron Company for the purpose of working up, in part, the product of 
the mines under his management. The organization of branch railroads for the 
transportation of ores etc., and of a bank, and many other concerns followed 
in rapid succession, and it was not a great while until Mr. Richards' interests 
became diversified to an almost incredible degree, with ramifications in almost 
every county in Northern New Jersey, and he became recognized as one of the 
magnates of the commercial, industrial and financial world. As an evidence of 
the magnitude of his operations and the important individual part he played in 
theiri, it may be stated that he occupied all the following positions at one time: 
President of the Dover Iron Company: President of the Dover and Rockaway 
Railroad Company: President of the Morris County Machine and Iron Com- 
pany; President of the < )gden Mine Railroad Company; President of the 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 311 

Hibernia Aline Railroad Company; President of the Hibernia Underground 
Railroad Company; President of the National Union Bank of Dover; President 
of the Dover Lumber Company; President of the Dover Printing Company; 
and President of the George Richards Company, controlling four of the largest 
stores in Dover. Mr. Richards is a director in the following corporations: 
Delaware and Bound Brook Railroad Company: East Tennessee and Western 
North Carolina Railroad Company; Cranberry Iron and Coal Com- 
pany: Chester Iron Company; E. J. Rdss Manufacturing Company, silk manu- 
facturers of Port Oram; American Sljeet Steel Iron Company, and Lincoln 
Lithia Water Company of North Carolina. 

J\Ir. Richards has taken an active interest in public matters for many years, 
and has figured conspicuously in this direction on several occasions, rendering 
great aid and valuable service to the State at times when the exigency required 
the services of a level-headed business man of untiring energy and indomitable 
will. In 1871 he was appointed State Director of the united railroads of New 
Jersey, the duties of which office required him to supervise the vast amount of 
trust funds of the State invested in those securities. During his term of office the 
important question of the lease of these roads to the Pennsylvania Railroad arose, 
and Mr. Richards' position in the controversy, as State Director, though at 
first decided adversely by Chancellor Zabriskie, was subsequently approved by 
the court of appeals. The point taken by him was that under a somewhat 
blind act of the Legislature, passed, however, for the purpose, it was not lawful for 
the old companies to make the lease. The final decision rendered further legis- 
lation necessary. Mr. Richards labored earnestly against the efforts of the 
monopoly and its adherents, and not only compassed their defeat, but went 
much further, and the general railroad law now on the statute books, one of the 
most beneficent laws ever enacted by the New Jersey Legislature, stands as 
a monimient to the unremitting aggressiveness and excellent generalship dis- 
played by him in the great fight of the people against that erstwhile dominant 
monopoly, the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. 

Mr. Richards' political affiliations are strongly with the Republican party, 
and he is a member of the Republican State Committee from Morris County. 
In 1872 he was appointed Master in Chancery by Chancellor .\braham Zab- 
riskie; in 1873, he was made Notary Public by Governor Joel Parker, and in 
1891 Governor Leon Abbett appointed him a member of the I-ioard of Managers 
of the State Lunatic Asylums, and, although he was the only republican on the 
board, his colleagues accorded to him the honor of being elected vice-presi- 
dent of the bod v. In 1894 the board was legislated out of office for the purpose 
of instituting a non-partisan organization, and Mr. Richards was the only member 
of the old board who was honored with re-appointment by Governor Werts, he 
officiating under the new regime as President. In 1899 he was re-appointed 
by Governor \'oorhees for another term of five years. He was appointed a 
member of the State Board of Geological Survey. He served as Mayor of 
Dover for eight terms of two years each. He is a life member of the Wash- 
ington .Association of Morristown, and his interest in agricultural matters led 
him to become a member of the State .Agricultural Society. 

The marriage of ]\Ir. Richards was soleniized in i860, when he was united 
in matrimonv to Miss .\nn Elizabeth McCarty, of Morris County, daughter 



312 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

of John Morris and Sally Ann (Hoagland) McCarty, and to this union one son, 
George Richards, Jr., was born, who is connected with one of his father's numer- 
ous mercantile enterprises. Mrs. Richards was born October 2d, 1829, and died 
March 4th, 1899. 

For over a quarter of a century Mr. Richards has been an important factor 
in the industrial, manufacturing and commercial circles of at least four states, 
and his name is indelibly stamped amongst the most prominent, most enter- 
prising and most successful men of Xew Jersey. He has been a public bene- 
factor in more ways than one, for while he acquired his own fortune, he con- 
tributed to the growth, development and expansion of the whole state. And 
stich has been his business methods, that his name is unsullied and his repu- 
tation without a blot. As a citizen none are more highly respected; as a man 
of business, none enjoys a greater degree of universal confidence. Personally 
he is affable, courteous, genial and warm hearted, yet rugged in his characteris- 
tics, being strong in his likes and dislikes. While not posing as a philanthropist, 
he has always been most charitable, giving freely, in an unostentatious manner, 
of his abundant means. No charitable or benevolent institution has ever ap- 
pealed in vain to his generosity, and the recipients of his bounty are legion in 
numbers. A well-rounded, well-balanced, strong and masterful man: such is 
the concensus of opinion of those who know George Richards. 



JONATHAN WILLIAM ROBERTS. 

Among the earnest men whose depth of character and strict adherence to 
principle excite the admiration of his contemporaries. Air. Roberts is prominent. 
He is a man of distinguished ability, and his character is one which is above a 
shadow of reproach. Alany responsible trusts have been placed in his hands 
and the utmost fidelity has marked their full and complete discharge. Widely 
known and respected by all who have any knowledge of his honorable and useful 
career, the history of Morris County would be incomplete without extended 
mention of Jonathan W. Roberts, who has for more than thirty years resided 
at his ideal country home, known as Glenbrook, at Morris Plains, New Jersey. 

Air. Roberts was born in Hartford County, Connecticut, on the ist of 
September, 1821, a son of William Alartin and Maria (AIcAIillans) Roberts, both 
paretns being of Scotish-Irish descent. Their ancestors came to America in col- 
onial days, and in the war of the Revolution both families were represented 
by valiant soldiers who were nuistered among the brave "Green Alountain 
Boys." 

The subject of this review spent his childhood and early manhood in the 
state of his nativity. In 1842, when about twenty-one years of age, he went to 
New York City, where he secured a clerkship in the wholesale dry goods store 
of Amos R. Eno. Later he became a member of the firm, organized under 
the name of Eno, Alahoney & Company, and five years later the firm name was 
changed to Eno, Roberts «& Company. Further changes caused the assump- 
tion of the firm name of J. W. Roberts & Company. Air. Roberts continued in 
the business until 1866, when failing health caused his retirement. In the mean- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 313 

time, notwithstanding- the heavy losses sustained in consequence of the Civil War, 
he had by well directed effort, keen sagacity, close application, remarkable execu- 
tive ability and unfaltering determination, acquired a competence, which has 
since enabled him to live retired, unharassed by the cares of an arduous business. 

He became connected with the South street Presbyterian church of Mor- 
ristown, in 1867: soon after he was made an elder, and later superintendent of 
the Sunday School, President of the Board of Trustees, and chairman of the 
Building Commiattee for the erection of the beautiful new church, completed 
and finished largely through his efiforts. without leaving a dollar of debt. He 
was one of the founders of the Young Men"s' Christian Association in Morris- 
tow-n, was at three different times its president, and as chairman of its building 
committee edected the handsome new building on South street, principally from 
his own designs and without creating a debt, as Mr. Roberts has made it a rule 
of his life to discourage and disapprove of any improvements, public or private, 
which cannot be paid for when completed. 

For some years Mr. Roberts was president of the Morristown Institution 
for Savings. He accepted the office at a critical period of its history, and saved 
it from great loss, if not failure, by his energy and business methods. In 1884 
he was elected a trustee and made chairman of the executive committee of the 
Washington Association of New Jersey, and in 1887 was elected its president, 
-which office he still (1898) holds, and by his untiring efiforts has increased the 
membership four-fold, has more than doubled its domain: paid off its large 
debt, and personally secured a large part of its valuable collections of relics, 
alwavs keeping the association free from the humiliation of indebtedness. He 
has also been vice-president, chairman of the Executive Committee, and, under 
the new organization, is now one of the most valuable members of the Board 
of Trustees of the New Jersey Historical Society, and has freely given time, 
effort and means to its aid. 

Mr. Roberts is an earnest Republican, has been a member of the Republi- 
can State Committee and often a delegate to conventions, but he has steadily 
refused all inducements to nominations for political office. Whatever public 
service Mr. Roberts has undertaken has always been a success, and when he 
has done his work he gladly retires from office and gives place to others. 

Since his retirement from business, Mr. Roberts has taken a very active 
part in public interests and has been especially zealous in the support of all mat- 
ters pertaining to the general good. He is a man of broad humanitarian prin- 
ciples, of general impulses and noble deeds, and his upright and well-spent life 
commended him to the regard of all with whom he has been brought in 
contact. 

Mr. Roberts was married at the age of twenty-eight to Miss Mary King, 
who was eighteen, a daughter of Hezekiah King, a retired gentleman, residing 
on the banks of the Delaware River, at Bristol, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Rob- 
erts was verv lovelv in form and features, winsome and graceful in manner, of 
bright intelligence and charming in disposition and Christian character. She 
was a delightful companion in her home and on the extensive journeys made 
with her husband in this country and in Europe, during the forty-four years 
of happy married life, whicli was terminated by her death in 1894. Mrs. 
Roberts was one of the three honorarv members of the Washington Association, 



314 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

and was the donor of the large number of autograph letters at the Washington 
Headquarters, Morristown. known as the "Roberts Collection." 



JEREMIAH EVARTS TRACY, 

Son of Ebenezer Carter Tracy and .Martha Sherman Evarts, was born in Wind- 
sor, Vermont, January 31, 1835. He is of an old New England family, being 
sixth in lineal descent from Stephen Tracy, who came, in the ship "Ann." from 
England to Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1623. 

Mr. Tracy's father was the founder, editor and publisher of the \'ermont 
"Chronicle," a religious newspaper of extensive influence throughout the State, 
which he conducted for more than thirty years, and until his death, May 15, 1862. 
His mother died April 10, 1889. ^Ir. Tracy is one of eight children, three 
of whom have died, one in infancy, and another, Martha Day, at the age of 
nineteen. The third, William Carter, was an officer in the Union Army, and 
was killed in the War of the Rebellion. He has living one sister, Anna, wife of 
Rev. George P. Byington, a clergyman settled in Vermont, and three brothers, 
Roger Sherman, a physician, now registrar of records of the department of health 
in New York City; John Jay, a lawyer in Tennessee, and Charles Walker, who 
is in business in Portland, Oregon. 

Jeremiah Evarts Tracy received his academic education in his native State, 
\'ermont. At an early age he began the study of law in the office of his uncle, 
William ]\I. Evarts, in the City of New York, and continuing his studies in 
New Haven, Connecticut, he received from Yale College the degree of LL.B., 
in 1857, having previously, in 1856, been admitted to the bar in New York, 
a few days after attaining his majority. 

Upon leaving New" Haven he became an assistant in the office of his uncle, 
William ]\I. Evarts, in New York, and June i, 1859, was admitted to partnership 
with him in the practice of law. This partnership with Mr. Evarts and others 
has ever since continued, — the present business firm being known as Evarts, 
Choate & Beaman, and consisting of William M. Evarts, Joseph H. Choate, 
Charles C. Beaman, J. Evarts Tracy, Treaswell Cleveland, Prescott Hall Butler 
and Allen W. Evarts. 

Mr. Tracy was married September 30, 1863, to Miss Martha Sherman 
Greene, and has nine children, — Emily Baldwin, Howard Crosby, a lawyer, 
practicing in New York City; Evarts, an architect in New York City; Mary Ev- 
arts, Margaret Louisa, Robert Storer, who has recently been graduated from the 
College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, and is now an assistant on the 
surgical side in the New York Hospital; Edith Hastings, Martha, now a 
student in Bryn ]\Iawr College, and William Evarts, now a student in Yale 
College. 

In 1874 Mr. Tracy removed his residence from New York to Plainfield, 
New Jersey, which has since been his home. AMiile continuing the practice 
of law in the City of New York, he has not failed to manifest interest in the affairs 
of Plainfield. He has served at different times as a member and as president 
of the Common Council of the citv, and has been for manv vears one of the 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 315 

directors of the Plainfield Public Library, and one of the governors of the Muh- 
lenberg Hospital, located there. 

He is a member of the New York City and State Bar Associations, of the 
Committee of Counsel of the Lawyer's Title Insurance Company, of New York; 
of the Yale Alumni Society and of the New York Law Institute. He is also a 
member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the LTnited States, and of 
the Empire State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. 



ALBERT CORTLANDT MUNN, 

Born in Newark, New Jersey, July 6, 1845, son of .-Vlbert, and grandson of Judge 
Aaron Munn, is an American representative of the same family as Count De 
Mun, of Paris. Of the English branch of this old family, Camden makes 
mention, prior to 1637. Another authority says, "I have now property that 
went by the name of 'Munn's' three hundred years ago.' Benjamin Munn, 
■founder of the Orange, (New Jersey), family, was, there is every reason to be- 
lieve, one of the three brothers, sons of John, of Branford, Connecticut. Ben- 
jamin was born September 15, 1730, and married, January 17, 1754, Jemima, 
daughter of Joseph Pierson, of Newark, New Jersey. No family in America 
has been of more importance in religion and literary history than that of the 
ancestors of Mr. Munn, 

The subject of this sketch is the fourth, in direct descent, from Benjamin 
Munn and Jemima (Pierson) Munn, his wife. On his mother's side, Mr. 
Munn is a descendant of the Guerins, who were French Huguenots. 

After passing through the Newark High School, the subject of our sketch 
went to Princeton and placed himself under the tuition of Professor Thomas 
Cattell, with the purpose of entering college. Led, however, by the spirit of 
patriotism, he relinquished this idea, and, though under the required age for 
service, joined the army, and would have, undoubtedly, gone upon the field, had 
not an elder brother, Edward Payson Munn, also in the service, been taken 
prisoner and sent to Andersonville. This prompted the father of the young man 
to secure the aid of Governor Ward, in having his younger son's name taken 
from the roll. Following the lead of his school days, when he was always in 
demand as an elocutionist, Mr .Munn's talent and inclination led him to the 
further development of his histrionic ability, and, since that time, he has been 
considered an authority on all things pertaining to theatricals and the stage. 
Mr. Munn has been so constantly before the public eyes that he is worthily ac- 
corded a place in this book. 

The press notices of his dramatic ability have not been confined to the lo- 
cality in which he resides, but metropolitan critics have recognized his talent, 
and expressed this recognition in well-earned comions. Many will remember, 
with pleasure, his rendition of "Wilkins McCawber," "Modus," "Mark Meddell." 
"James Triplet," "]\Iajor DeBoots," and "My Awful Dad." Mr. Munn. with 
the aid of Major Scott, organized the once well known Home Dramatic So- 
ciety, of which he was president and star. He was also founder and president 
of the Garrick Club, which succeeded the first named society, and an tifficer in 



!I0 



I'll '<;r \riiu- \i iiisit MnN' ui- xi'w M■■|^sl■■^■ 



the Anur.ntl, Nvuux, of I'.n.okhn. W u \o,k. M, ^,a> a v.luo.l „um..Iht of 
.IH- Kaluva.v AlluMU-um Association, of whicli Cordon, of i.iintin- |.ross fanio 
was pivsulonl Mr. Mnnn has also ,.lavoi will, „kuu uovn noi^^dprolcssionals' 
anil nujjlit liavo taken a i>,onnnini position on the sia-v lia.l he so chosen I U- 
has always lu-oi. ni .Knian.l as a nvitationist, actor ami coach, an.l is the proiul 
owner of a ia.oe an.l valnal.le drainaiic lihrarx , which he connts anion- his oreat- 
ost possessions. In yontli .Mr. .Mnnn attcn.le.l the I'irst I'reshvterian church- 
he now helonos to Innity I'pi.scopal. nnrinn ,1,,. ,,„, |„, „.,; ., ,„,,,„,,^,, ,„■ 




AllSl-Kf 1,'OKIl ANIM' NtlNN. 

the Inion League (.hih. of Newark, hut his thoughts have hoen for iliinos intel- 
lectual, lather than tnaterial. ami hi.s chosen profession, with the charm of the 
home circle, have t-,lled his life, Albert Mnnn was married to Marv Sand- 
ton\. who.se mother was of the llarri.son faniilv. of which e.\-President llarri- 
SiMi IS a memlHT. Two children hlessed this union : one .son. Mortimer now 
nuirned. who perpetuates the (amilv name with a son. Albert C The second 
child was a beautiful little girl, named .Maud Harrison, who .lieil in i8i)2 In 
Mount Plea-sam Cemetery, on the Passaic, an exquisite life model of the child 
ni white marble, executed in Italy, by a master hand. luwv marks the last restin"- 
place of the only dani^hter of .Mhert l.\ and .Marv Mnnn 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 317 

PETER BREIDT. 

The man who. by industry, ambition and close application to business, be- 
gins at the bottom and works his way up to the position of head of a large, suc- 
cessful and important business enterprise, deserves great credit, and his achieve- 
ments are worthy of being recorded in a permanent way along with those of the 
lawyer, the doctor, the banker and the writer, as his life furnishes an example 
to the generations to come, pointing out as it does what any young man can do 
who is willing to put his shoulder to the wheel and push hard from morning 
until night, employing all his strength, energy and pluck to get on in life and 
make the best of his opportunities. Such a man is Peter Breidt, of Elizabeth, 
New Jersey, who, about forty years ago came to this country a poor boy and 
went to work in a store, and to-day is president of the Peter Breidt City Brew- 
ery Company, one of the leading breweries in the State of New Jersey. 

Peter Breidt was born in Germany on September 26, 1845. His father was 
August Breidt. who was born in Baden, Germany, and his mother was Louisa 
Cassi, who was born in Hanau, Germany. They were married in the old 
countr}-. and emigrated to the L'nited States in 1865. The father, August, 
was a manufacturing jeweler. He learned his trade in the old country, and 
after coming to this country worked at it successfully for many years. He was a 
fine workman, industrious and economical, and saved up considerable money. 
]^e lived in retirement from business for some time and died in 1899. at the 
age of seventy-eight years. Two sons were born to the parents, Peter and 
Emil, the latter dying in the old country. 

Our subject attended school in the old country, and when eleven years of 
age came to America with his uncle Gotleib Schmalz. They landed in New- 
York and came direct to Newark, where young Breidt secured work with Uhl- 
man & Isaac, wholesale dealers in dry and fancy goods. He w'orked for this 
firm for about three years, and then entered the employ of Hart & DeHelbach, 
also dry and fancv goods dealers, and with this firm he remained as salesman 
until he reached his twentieth year. He next entered the employ of Joseph 
Hensler, of Newark, as bookkeeper and collector, which position he held for 
about four years, when he resigned and took the same position with Christian 
Trefz brewer, of Newark. With this concern he remained five years, during 
which time he did a great deal towards building up the business and making 
a success of it. Leaving the Trefz brewery he entered the employ of Christian 
Feiganspan, brewer, of Newark, with whom he remained three years and then 
assumed management of that brewery's export business in New York. In 
1882. in partnership with William Leible, he organized the brewing company of 
Leible & Breidt, of Elizabeth. Before they had been in partnership a year Mr. 
Leible died and Air. Breidt assumed entire ownership of the business. In 
1885 the business was incorporated under the name of the Peter Breidt City 
Brewery Company, with a paid-up capital of $25,000, and with Mr. Breidt as 
president. The business of this company has increased from year to year, 
until it is one of the leading breweries in the State. The plant is a large one 
and is supplied with all the latest and modern improved machinery for the mak- 
ing of first class beer in large quantities. The beer this company manufac- 
tures is noted for its puritv and flavor, and its ever increasing sale is an evidence 



3i8 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

of the high favor in whicli it is held. It competes with the ].)rodncts of the 
leading breweries of Newark and Xew York. 

Mr. Breidt married JMiss Louise Hensler. of Newark, and to them have 
been born nine children, only three of whom are living. They are as follows: 
Annie, wife of Joseph Nolte, secretary of the Peter Breidt City Brewery Com- 
pany; Louise, wife of Captain D. F. Collins, vice-president of the company, 
and Petronella, unmarried and living home. 

Mr. Breidt is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and 
numerous social organizations. He is one of the best known men in Elizabeth, 
and is highly respected by all who know him. He is a good business man, 
an excellent citizen, and a first rate all round man. He is enterprising and 
progressive, liberal in his views, and is always ready to do anything he can to 
advance the welfare and interests of his city and state. He is a generous, 
whole-souled man, and everybody admires him for the success he has made out 
of his life, and for the benefits that have come from that success. He is a self- 
made man. He started in life with nothing but his willing hands, sound head 
and brave heart, and by his own efforts he has made a success of his life. What 
man can do more? 



WILBUR A. HEISLEY, 



Born in Elmer, Salem county. New Jersey, February ii, 1858, is the son of 
Charles W. Heisley and Martha A. Boyle, both natives of Pennsylvania. His 
father is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, and during the War of 
the Rebellion was chaplain of the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania \'olunteers. 

Wilbur A. Heisley received his primary education at common school; at 
the age of seventeen he commenced the special study of law. He was admitted 
to the bar in June. 1879. and began the practice of his profession at Long 
Branch, New Jersey, where he has since continued. He has established an im- 
portant and successful practice, and in January, 1897, was appointed Prosecutor 
of the Pleas of Monmouth county. New Jersey. In 1886 he was elected Mayor 
of Long Branch. He is a member of the New York Lawyer's Club. 

In early life Air. Heisley was married to Myrtella D.. daughter of Jacob 
W. Morris, of Long: Branch. 



JOHN ILLINQWORTH, 



Inventor and manufacturer, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1836, and is the 
sixth son of Robert Illingworth, known throughout Yorkshire as "Honest Rob- 
ert," a distinction well-earned after many years' service in his native county as 
tax collector. He was a consistent churchman, and one whose Christianity 
was exemplified in his ardent desire to accord to others those rights which he 
claimed for himself, without ever meddling with their afTairs. He was a farmer, 
and to the tilling of the soil he brought up his nine sturdy children. 




JOHN lULINGWORTH 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 319 

The early life of the subject of this sketch was that incident to the farm 
and its needs, he being under the necessity, like other members of the family, to 
do his part in order to earn the means to pay the rent and meet the other ex- 
penses of the home. A portion of each year he attended school until thirteen 
years of age, when his time was wholly devoted to work. 

In 1855. when at the age of about eighteen years, young Illingworth came 
to the Adirondack Steel Works, Jersey City, New Jersey, the first crucible steel 
works in this country, where his brother Benjamin, who came in 1848, was 
manager of the hammer department. Under this brother he became appren- 
ticed to the business which he is now following. In 1864 Mr. Illingworth be- 
came a member of the firm of Prentice, Atha & Co., in the manufacture of 
steel, an industry which was in that year begun in Newark by that firm and 
continued by them until 187 1, when the firm became Benjamin, i\tha & Com- 
pany. Since 1891 the firm has been known as Atha & Illingworth, and the 
company and its manufactures are extensively known throughout the country. 
They employ about seven hundred hands, and their principal product of manu- 
facture consists of crucible and open-hearth steel. They also manufacture 
various kinds of machines, several of which are of Mr. Illingworth's invention. 
The device for casting skate steel is one of his first patents, and is highly es- 
teemed. By this invention, hard and soft steel are cast in combination, the 
lower side of the skate being hard and the upper side soft. It proved to be an 
exceedingly valuable patent. The next invention of Mr. Illingworth was the 
"roll discs," a device for rounding and polishing steel. This machine was 
patented in 1882, and two years later an improvement was made for guidnig 
the rods through the discs, which becaine very valuable, as this patent has broad 
claims in advance of all other machines, making all subsequent inventions de- 
pendent upon this one. Mr. Illingworth is now living retired from busmess 
in his beautiful home on Park Place, Newark. 

In 1892 Mr. Illingworth patented a machine to prevent piping in the casting 
of ingots— a machine now coming into general use. In 1894 an improvement 
was made in this machine, whereby ingots may now be cast and compressed at 
the same time. Mr. Illingworth is the patentee of many other valuable in- 
ventions, in the manufacture of which his company have found great profit. 
Strict attention to, and love of, his work are characteristics of the subject of this 
sketch. Political honors have, from time to time, been held out to him. but for 
these he had no desire, although a lover of the country of his adoption, and at all 
times ready to labor for the public welfare. 

Mr. Illingworth was married to Miss Maggie \'. Williams, of Newark, in 
1870, and is the father of three children— two sons and one daughter. 



BENJAMIN ILLINGWORTH, 

Retired steel manufacturer of Jersey City. New Jersey, was born in Sheffield, 
England, Tulv 11, 1823, the son of Robert Illingworth and Mary Broadhead, 
both native of England. Leaving school at the age of fourteen years, he sought 



320 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

employment in the Sheffield Steel Works, where he remained until he was twenty- 
five years of age. 

Mr. Illingworth"s nieshanical aptitude and rapid progress as a skilled work- 
man soon engaged the attention of his employers, and at the age of twenty- 
one he became foreman of the works. Four years later, in 1848, he sailed in 
the ship ■"Cornelia" for .-\merica, and after a six-weeks voyage landed in New 
York City. His reputation as a skilled mechanic had preceded him. and almost 
immediately he was sent for by the Jersey City Steel Company. Engaging 
with this company he soon became known as one of the most skillful mechanics 
in his special line in the United States. In six months time he was made fore- 
man of the works, remaining in that position until i860. At this juncture Mr. 
Illingworth. with Dr. J. H. Gantier, James R. "Thompson and Henry Dickinson 
formed a company for the manufacture of steel, which was known as the James 
R. Thompson Company, and for a period of twenty-five years carried on the 
business. Mr. Illingworth being one of the principal partners. During this 
period they manufactured tool steel and steel for all purposes: a 
great deal being used in the manufacture of bayonets — the products of the works 
commanding a wide and profitable distribution. In 1888 Mr. Illingworth re- 
tired from active business. 

In early life Mr. Illingworth married Sarah, daughter of Joseph Dickinson, 
a native of Sheffield, England. They have one daughter, Ada D., wife of Ira 
M. Dawson, general agent of the Prudential Insurance Company of Newark, 
but a citizen of Jersey City. Mr. Illingworth is a RepubHcan in politics, a mem- 
ber of Grace Church, Jersey City, and resides on Jersey avenue. 



HON. ALLEN BROWN ENDICOTT, 

Of .Atlantic City. Xew Jersey, is the son of Thomas D. and Ann Endicott, and 
a lineal descendant on his father's side from the first Colonial Governor of Mas- 
sachusetts, and on his mother's side from Governor Pennington, of New Jersey. 
He was born at May's Landing, New Jersey, March 7th, 1857, was educated 
at Pcddie Institute, Hightstown, and the University of Pennsylvania, Philadel- 
phia, where he received the degree of LL. B. in 1879; he read law in Camden 
with the late Peter L. \'oorhees and was admitted to the bar of this State as an 
attorney in June, 1880, and as counselor in February, 1884. 

Mr. Endicott has always practiced his profession in Atlantic City. He is 
one of the most prominent civil lawyers in Sottth Jersey, and probably enjoys 
a larger practice in this branch (to which he gives his entire attention) than any 
other member of the bar in that part of the State. He is a man of great ability, 
of the strictest integritv and of high legal and personal attainments, and is widely 
esteemed. Throughout New Jersey he is well known. 

He was collector of Atlantic county from April. 1883. until April, 1898, when 
he resigned that office because of a judicial appointment. In Atlantic City he 
was City Solicitor for ten years in succession, beginning in 1887. He organized 
and has been president of the L^nion National Bank of Atlantic City since its 
beginning in 1890. He compiled the charter and ordinances of Atlantic City in 




ALLEN B. ENDICOTT 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 321 

1890. Among the many important law cases which he has successfully con- 
ducted was that in which he represented Atlantic City against the combined 
efforts of the State of New Jersey and the Camden and Atlantic Railroad Com- 
pany, to have the State collect the tax on the trolley system in that city, instead 
of the municipality, the condemnation of the two water plants and the defence 
of Robert Elder and John Rech who were charged with murder. In February, 
1898, he was appointed Law Judge of Atlantic county by Governor Griggs, a 
position which he holds at the present time. 

On June 8, 1880, Mr. Endicott was married to Aliss Ada H., daughter of 
Rev. J. B. Davis, D. D., of Hightstown, New Jersey, and four children have 
blessed their union. 



HON. ALEXANDER T. McQILL. 

Alexander T. AIcGill was born in Alleghany City, Pennsylvania, in 1843. 
His father, the Rev. Alexander T. AIcGill, D. D., LL. D., was then a professor 
in the Western Theological Seminary of that city. In 1854 the subject of this 
sketch, then a child, removed to Princeton, New Jersey, his father having been 
elected to a professorship in the Princeton Theological Seminary, which po- 
sition he occupied until his death in 1889. 

Mr. McGill was graduated from the College of New Jersey, in 1864, which 
has since conferred on him the honorary degree of LL. D., and from the Colum- 
bia Law School, New York, in 1866, receiving the degree of .\. B. He con- 
tinued the study of law with the late Judge Edward W. Scudder, at Trenton, and 
was admitted to the bar as an attorney in 1867, and as a counselor in 1870. He 
remained in Trenton with Judge Scudder until 1868, when he removed to Jersey 
City. He soon afterwards formed a partnership with the late Robert Gilchrist, 
w^ho was then Attorney-General of New Jersey. In 1876 Mr. McGill re- 
tired from the firm, deciding to practice alone. 

In 1873, 1874 and 1875 he was counsel for the City of Bayonne. in 1874-5 
he also represented the then first district of Hudson county in the House of 
Assemblv. He served on leading committees, and took a very active part in 
legislation. In 1878 Gov. George B. McClellan appointed Mr. McGill Prose- 
cutor of the Pleas of Hudson county, succeeding Hon. A. Q. Garretson. who 
was appointed Law Judge, and when the latter's term expired, Mr. McCiill 
again succeeded him as Judge, an office he held when he was appointed Chan- 
cellor by Governor Robert S. Green, on March 29. 1887. He was unanimously 
confirmed bv the Senate the 31st day of the same month. His term expired on 
Ma\ I, 1894, and he was reappointed by Governor Werts for a second term. 

Mr. McGill has held many minor positions. He is a lawyer of great ability, 
and has an extended acquaintance all over the East. 



21 



322 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

HON. WILLIAM J. MAOIE. 

Son of Rev. David Magie, D. D.. and Ann Frances (Wilson) ^^lagie, was loom 
in Elizabeth, Xew Jersey, December 9, 1832. 

Among the early settlers of Elizabeth was John AlacGhie. who came from 
Scotland to America in 1685, and from him is descended the family of which 
Judge i\Iagie is now a foremost representative. 

Rev. David Magie, D. D., father of the Judge was first pastor of the Second 
Presbyterian church, organized in Elizabeth, and continued in that pastorate 
for over forty years. Doctor Alagie was a man of great ability, and held a po- 
sition of prominence and influence in the Presbyterian church of America. 

William J. Magie received his preparatory education in the schools of his 
native place, and in 1849 entered Princeton College, from which he was gradu- 
ated in 1852. Among his classmates and friends we find, Don Cameron, James 
Taylor Jones, of \irginia, since Judge of the Circuit Court; Charles Phelps, 
of Maryland, now Judge of the Supreme Court of ^^laryland; William C. 
Spruance, now Judge of the Supreme Court of Delaware, and other men who, 
like himself, have attained prominence among their fellows. Upon the com- 
pletion of his classical education, Mr. Magie turned his attention to preparation 
for the bar. He began the reading of law, under William F. Day, and later 
entered the office of Francis B. Chetvvood, both leading men in their profes- 
sion in Elizabeth. Mr. Magie was admitted as attorney in 1856, and as coun- 
selor in 1859. He practiced law in Elizabeth, associating himself at first with 
his former preceptor, Francis B. Chetwood. with whom he continued for six 
years; at which time the son of Mr. Chetwood. having been admitted to the bar, 
became, naturally, an associate of his father. 

For a time after this Mr. Magie practiced alone, and then formed a co-part- 
nership with Joseph Cross, afterward Senator of Union county. 

This partnership continued until 1880, during which time Mr. Magie served 
as Prosecutor of Pleas of the county for five years He was elected to the 
State Senate for three years, 1876, '"/j and "78. Although a staunch Republican, 
Mr. Magie was appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jer- 
sey, by Governor George B. McClellan. This appointment was again made 
in 1880 by Governor Green, and in 1894, Justice Magie was, for the third time, 
a])pointed to the same office by Governor \\'erts. All these appointments were 
made, as will be seen, by Democratic Governors. The judicial district of Judge 
Alagie embraced the counties of Morris. Sussex and Somerset. In February 
of 1897, Judge Magie received the appointment of Chief Justice of the Supreme 
Court of Xew Jersey, of which office he is now incumbent, as successor of Chief 
Justice Mercer Beasley, deceased. During his many years as a practitioner 
at the bar of Union county. Judge Magie was prominently connected with the 
legal affairs of many corporations, which eagerly sought his counsel. Among 
them were deposit and saving banks, railroads, manufacturing companies and 
municipal bodies. 

Judge Magie before taking his position upon the bench, was interested in 
politics, not as a politician, but rather as a statesman; his views were de- 
cided, but he never sought office or honor at the hands of his party. 

In 1875 he was urged, by personal and party friends, who used every 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 323 

strongest argument possible to induce him to accept of the Senatorial nomina- 
tion for Union county, and at last he reluctantly allowed his name to be used, 
but greatly against his will and despite his better judgment. 

The campaign will be remembered. The county was a doubtful one, but 
Judge Magie, as his friends expected, was elected. While in the Senate his 
record was one of honor and credit, alike to his State and to himself. He took 
a leading part in all debates, was a member of several important committees, 
and was recognized as serving the highest and best interests of his State and 
his party upon every occasion which called for his voice, his influence and vote. 
It is recorded of him. with truth and justice, that "his course in the Senate was 
marked by a jealous regard for the honor of his native State, by a consistent 
manly and independent action, and by a vigilant guard over the true interests 
of his party." While upon the bench, as Associate Justice. Judge Magie was 
known as one of the most industrious men; one of the most dispassionate, a 
man of great force of character, of independence of thought, of strong convic- 
tion, of dignity, yet free from affectation, always genial and easy of access, al- 
ways true to right and principle. These inestimable qualities of mind and man- 
ner, together with his ability to read human nature, to readily grasp situations, to 
accurately weigh the merits of questions, and to act without regard to public or 
private opinion, when such opinions did not agree with the principles of right and 
justice; these qualities eminently fit the Chief Justice for the high position which 
\vas accorded to him as their possessor. 

Judge Magie marred, in 1857. Sarah Frances, daughter of the late J. 
Johnson Baldwin, of Elizabeth. Their children are, William Francis Magie, 
no\i' a professor in Princeton College, and one daughter, Henrietta O. Magie. 



CARL F. SEITZ, 



A prominent manufacturer of Newark, New Jersey, was born at Hanau. Ger- 
man v, in 1829, and there received his early education. At a suitable age he 
was placed in the hat manufactory of C. F. Donner at Frankfort, where he 
became acquainted with that business in its various details. Although still a 
very young man he embraced, with his characteristic enterprise, an opportunity 
which was offered, to seek his fortunes in America. This ofifer. made in 1849, 
was promptly accepted, and in the same year found himself in Newark. New Jer- 
sev. where, in the company of fellow countrymen, he was soon actively employed 
at his trade. For several years he labored acceptably and successfully. At 
the expiration of that period, in 1857, he had saved sufficient means to engage 
in business for himself, and. accordingly, forming a partnership with a fellow- 
countryman under the firm name of Groh & Seitz, opened a hat factory at 27 
Ward street, in the City of Newark. New Jersey. In 1878 Mr. Seitz admitted 
his son, Mr. Julius E. Seitz into partnership, and Mr. Groh having retired, the 
business was conducted under the firm name -of Carl F. Seitz & Son. The 
greatest success attended, and still attends this establishment, which employs, 
at times, a force of one hundred and fifty men. Mr. Seitz has been, for many 
years, a prominent and influential citizen of Newark, holding various public 



324 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



offices of trust. In 1877 he represented the Fourth Ward in the 
Board of Aldermen, and, later, was a member of the Board of County Freehold- 
ers. He was a member of the State F'ish Commission. At the time of his 
death he was a member of the Board of Trade, ]\I. G. \'. Phoenix, German 
Pioneer Society, and the German Agricultural Society, also a director in the 
German National Bank, Metropolitan Savings and Loan Association, and pres- 
ident of the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Mr. Seitz died at his 




C.A.RL F. SEITZ. 

home in Newark. New Jersey, on May gth, 1897, from an apoplectic stroke. A 
few minutes before his death he was in the best of spirits, and apparently in 
good health. At a meeting of the hat trade soon after his death, the following 
resolutions were adopted and ordered engrossed for presentation to his family: 



Whereas, We have received with great regret the news of the death of Carl F. 
Seitz, one of our oldest and most honored members. 

Resolved, That in the death of Mr. Seitz the hat trade is called to mourn the 
loss of one who by his upright character, sterling business integrity, and loy- 
alty to the trade, in which he has been engaged for more than fortv vears, aided 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 325 

in no small part to bring it to its present high standing and importance in the 
commercial world. 

Resolved, That we hereby tender to his family our deep sympathy with 
them in their affliction, and that a copy of these resolutions be suitably engrossed 
and presented to them. 



JULIUS E. SEITZ, 



Son of Carl F. Seitz, has resided in Newark, New Jersey, since he was four 
years of age. He was born in Germany, February 22, 1846, and attended 
the public schools of Newark, where he received his rudimentary education. 




TUI.IUS E. SEITZ. 



At the age of sixteen vears he enlisted in the army, and before he had attained 
the age of seventeen vears was made a Corporal in Company E. Thirteenth 
New York Cavalrv. in which position he served with honor until the end of the 
war. 



326 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

In 1878 Mr. Seitz Ijecanie a member of the "Firm of Carl F. Seitz & Son," 
hat manufacturers, and was also interested in the same line in New York City. 

Mr. Seitz has held the position of vice-president of the German Fire In- 
surance Company, and for many years has filled the office of president of the 
J. E. Seitz Association. 

He is the organizer of Hexamer Post, No. 34, G. A. R., which came into 
existence April 25, 1872. He is also a member of several social organizations 
in Newark. In connection with his other business interests he is operating 
largely in the real estate business. 



ERNEST LUDOLPH MEYER 

Was born, August 26th, 1828, at Horneburg, in the former kingdom, now 
Prussian province, of Hanover. In this quet little town his father. Dr. Nicholas 
Daniel Aleyer, a British half-pay officer, had settled down, after having taken part 
in the campaign against the first Napoleon, under Wellington. Unable to enter 
the army in his own country, then under French rule, he with many other young 
men, had escaped to England — which was at that time in close union with 
Hanover — to join the King's German Army. Having been educated for the 
medical profession, he was attached to a military hospital, and then appointed 
assistant surgeon in the First Light Dragoons, in which capacity he took 
part in the battle of Waterloo. After peace had been restored, he returned 
to Hanover and married Johanna Frederika Elizabeth Dorrien, the daughter 
of a prominent lawyer and burgomaster. They had two children, the subject 
of our sketch and his younger brother, George Frederick, a retired New York 
merchant, now living m Elizabeth. The father died when the boys were 
quite young; he left a small estate, which, with a pension from the British 
government, was sufficient to maintain his widow and give his children the 
advantage of a good education. 

Ernest was graduated from the Polytechnic School at Hanover, and then 
entered the University of Gottingen, where he applied himself, mainly to the 
study of the natural sciences. 

From early boyhod, his greatest desire had been for travel and when the 
California gold fever broke out, he determined to visit the gold fields ; but finding 
that his mother, although she had given her consent, was grieved at what she 
considered a very dangerous undertaking, he abandoned his purpose: but hav- 
ing made all arrangements for travel, he concluded, with her approval, to take 
passage for New York. Here he arrived February 14th. 185 1, after a voyage 
of eighty days, one of the most stormy on record. 

He soon found employment as designer in an iron works and later en- 
tered the office of the "Scientific American"; he then accepted a position as 
draughtsman with Mr. Sayre, a surveyor of Elizabethtown. who had been en- 
gaged to lay out the Evergreen Cemetery. Mr. Sayre died before the plans 
were complete, and Mr. Meyer was entrusted with the finishing of the plans 
and the laying out of the grounds. He was employed as surveyor also by the town 
and thus was induced to stav at Elizabethtown. which he had at first con- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



327 



sidered only a temporary residence. This was in 1852, and ever since he has 
continued in his profession as civil engineer and surveyor; having held the 
office of city surveyor of Elizabeth for over twenty-five years, he is identified 
with nearly all of the improvements of that city. 

Mr. Meyer is a life member of the New Jersey Historical Society and 
takes great interest in antiquarian researches, particularly in all matters per- 
taining to the history of Elizabeth, where he is considered an authority. 




EK.XE.ST L. MEYER. 



His map of Elizabethtown, at the time of the Revolution, is a most valuable 
contribution to the history of the town. He is now preparing, for publication, 
the early records of Elizabethtown, with its history of the land titles and maps 
showing the location of the first settlers of nearly the whole of Union County. 
His collection of old records and documents is exceedingly valuable. 

Mr. Mever married. November 24th. 1868. Eugenia .\lina Mathilda, daugh- 
ter of the Rev. johann Carl Furchtegott Wirz (who belonged to one of the 
best known families of Switzerland) and Fernandine Osswald of Stuttgart, Ger- 
many. Mrs. ]\Ieyer died April 25, 1889. Their children are: Alina Fernandine, 
born September i6th, 1869. married Frederick Sprainger Mabbatt; Ernest Hugo 



328 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Ludolph, born June 29th, 1871. married Alice Christine Shailer; Oswald Lin- 
coln Paul, born June 29th. 1873. 



EDWARD F. C. YOUNG. 



The wonderful opportunities that the L'nited States present to men of 
industry, ability, honesty and integrity, have often been commented upon, but 
as long as men have hopes and determinations to advance and succeed in life, 
the theme will never be exhausted. Everywhere in the land are found men 
who have worked their way to places of leadership in the foremost ranks of 
financial, commercial and industrial circles. It is one of the glories of our 
country that this is possible, and should be the strongest incentive and en- 
couragement to our youth. And for this reason, if for no other, permanent 
record should be made of the lives and achievements of those men who have 
gained signal success in their walks of life, and have contributed in a large 
measure to the growth and prosperity of their community and state. Promi- 
nent, and in many respects exceptional, among the representative success- 
ful men of New Jersey, and one whose career is worthy of study and emulation, 
and should be preserved in the annals of his State, is Edward F. C. Young, of 
Jersey City, the subject of this sketch, a man honored, respected and esteemed 
wherever known, and most of all, where he is best known. 

Mr. Young is a native of New Jersey, having been born in Malapardis, Mor- 
ris county, in 1835. He comes of old Scotch-English stock, and inheri- 
ted the characteristics of his ancestors, one of whom, the Rev. John Yonge came 
to America in 1635. The father of our subject, Benjamin Franklin Young, 
died at an early age, and in 1844, his widow removed to Jersey City, where 
Edward F. C. Young was educated in public school No. i. The first posi- 
tion of importance secured by Air. Young, was that of junior clerk in the Hud- 
son County Bank, which institution he entered wi.en he was in hi? seventeenth 
year. At that time only a small clerical force was employed by banking or 
commercial houses, and our subject found that while his position in the old 
Hudson County Bank was a congenial one, his task was by no means a light 
one, and it was no tmcommon occurrence for him to work from six o'clock in 
the morning until midnight. So efficient was he in the performance of his mani- 
fold duties, that in 1859, when twenty-four years of age. Air. Young was pro- 
ifioted paying teller of the bank, a position he held continuously for several 
years. In 1864. when the First National Bank of Jersey City was organized 
and took over the business of the Alechanics' and Traders" Bank, our subject 
was promoted to the position of assistant cashier In 1874 he was appointed 
cashier and in 1879 he was chosen president of the First National Bank, a 
position he has held ever since. L'nder Mr. Young's able management the 
First National has become the largest banking institution in the State of New 
Jersey. When he became president in 1879. the capital stock of the bank was 
four hundred thousand dollars and the surplus two hundred thousand dollars 
and the amount of undivided profits one hundred and seventy-four thousand, 
nine hundred and fifty-four dollars. In 1899 the business of the bank had so 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 329 

prospered that the foltowing spleinHd showing was made in their annual state- 
ment: Capital stock, four hundred thousand dollars, surplus, five hundred thou- 
sand dollars, undivided profit, two hundred and four thousand four hundred and 
fifteen dollars. Another demonstration of his financial ability was in the ex- 
trication from its many and serious difficulties of the Joseph Dixon Crucible 
Company, of Jersey City. In 1881 this company failed and Mr. Young was 
appointed receiver. He took hold of the affairs of this large enterprise with full 
confidence in his ability to bring order out of confusion, and his success was 
most remarkable. With wonderful skill he built the business of the company 
up, settled with all the creditors, and in 1 89 1 the old company resumed business, 
Mr. Young was chosen president of the company, and it has met with great 
success ever since, and is to-day one of the largest and leading manufacturing 
industries in Jersey City. The success of Mr. Young in the management of the 
First National Bank and of the Joseph Dixon Crucible Company, two entirely 
different enterprises, is given in this article for the purpose of showing the wide 
range of the man's ability, and of his great capacity for work. Today his many 
business interests ramify almost every county in the State of New Jersey and 
reach across into the great financial centre in New York. He is probably 
connected with more important companies and corporations, and holds more 
responsible official positions, than an\- one man in the State. A list of the con- 
cerns with which he is connected in an official capacity will serve to show how 
wonderfully diversified are his many interests. He is president of the follow- 
ing: The First National Bank of Jersey City, the Hudson County Gas Com- 
pany, the Colonial Life Insurance Company, the Joseph Dixon Crucible Com- 
pany, the Acker Process Company, the Coaldale Coal Company, the North 
Jersey Street Railway Company, the Jersey City and Bergen Railway Com- 
pany, the New Jersey Traction Company, the American Graphite Company, 
the Newark Passenger Railway Company, the Newark Plank Road Company, 
the Cleveland Seed Company, and the A. A. Griffing Iron Company. He is vice- 
president of the following: 

The Jersey City, Hoboken and Paterson Trolley Company, the North Hud- 
son Railway Company, the United Electric Company of New Jersey, (the electric 
trust,) resident vice-president and director of the American Surety Company of 
New York, and of the Acker Parent Company. He is a director and the rul- 
ing spirit of the New Jersey Title Guarantee and Trust Company, and also holds 
a place in the directories of the following: the Fidelity Trust Company of New- 
ark, the Butler Hard Rubber Company, the International Banking and Trust 
Company of New York, the Standard Distilling and Distributing Company, 
(the whiskey trust), the Consolidated Traction Company, the Jersey City & 
Bergen Railroad Company, the National Exhibition Company, North Jersey 
Land Company, Port Richmond & Bergen Point Ferry Company, the Trust 
Compan\- of New Jersev. the People's Light and Power Company, of Newark, 
the Liberty National Bank of New York, and the Produce Exchange Trust 
Company of New York. He is also senior member of the firm of Mackey, 
Young and Company, trading as the Jersey City Coal Company. Mr. Young 
has served as receiver for many important corporations and companies, the 
most noted of which were the Dixon Crucible and the National Cordage Com- 
panies. 



330 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Mr. Young has figured to a considerable extent in public life, and has 
held various public offices of trust. He was a prominent candidate for Gover- 
nor several years ago, and is still considered by the Democracy of the State as 
its logical candidate for the office. He was also presidential elector in 1880. 
He was chairman and is still a member of the Democratic State Committee 
of New Jersey. He has served as State Director of railways, as treasurer, 
comptroller. Alderman, Freeholder and commissioner of adjustment of back 
taxes of Jersey City, and has sat on more condemnation cases than any other 
man in Hudson County. 

Thus it will be seen that Air. Young leads a very active and busy life. 
Yet aside from his great business interests, he finds ample time to devote to his 
social duties, and is a member of numerous social organizations. He is presi- 
dent of the Carteret Club of Jersey City, and a memljer of the Palma, the Cos- 
mos, the Washington Association, the Passaic, the Jersey City Athletic and the 
New Jersey Athletic Clubs of Jersey City, the Manhattan and Lawyers of New 
York, and the Golf Clubs of Jersey City and of Morristown. He is also a mem- 
ber of the vestry of St. John's Episcopal church of Jersey City, and is a trustee 
of the Jersey City Children's Home. 

Mr. Young has earned the distinction of being one of the most successful 
and far-seeing financiers of New Jersey, and of the East. His practical clear 
sightedness, his comprehensive grasp of details, his great strength of will and 
great persistency, combined with his wonderful power of organization and tire- 
less energy, stamp him as a mgn of great executive al^ility. He is an excellent 
judge of men and their motives, understanding how to make use of them 
and has about him in all his enterprises, only men of ability. His character 
is shrewd, but amiable, and free from malice and resentment, and he harbors 
no ill thoughts of those with whom he has to contend. He earlv in life formed 
definite rules and principles, and never swerves from them. He immediately 
applies these rules and principles in business matters, and disposes of a question 
quickly. He is well grounded in commercial law, and thoroughly under- 
stands all legal questions, referring to financial and legal affairs. His advice 
is continually sought, both by citizens and those contemplating becoming citi- 
zens, and is cheerfully and freely given. Frequently he has been consulted by 
both parties to a dispute, each in ignorance of the other, and many are the 
differences and troubles of business concerns he has harmonized, when a ser- 
ious breech was threatened, and sent them on the way to prosperity. He is 
very courteous and easy of approach, and no one, no matter what his position, 
is ever turned away. He never forgets a friend and never deserts one. It 
is said of him that the friend must first desert him. He is methodical, his 
habits are simple, his tastes quiet, and his mode of living regular. What- 
ever he does in either public or private is done without ostentation, and so 
modestly as to indicate a shrinking from observation or notoriety. He never 
poses as a philanthropist, but the amount of good he has done, and is doing 
every day of his life will never be known, so quietlv is it done. 

Mr. Young's career is that of a typical American — energetic, arduous and 
successful, and illustrates most forcibly what may be accomplished by steady 
application, integrity and ability. During his youth, and when he came to 
Jersey City, he was a poor boy, deprived by death of the support and guidance 




'■-^•ifw^^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 331 

of a father, and by his own efforts he has reached the high position he holds 
in piibhc affairs and financial circles, and is yet in the prime of life. He is 
what may well be termed a self-made man (a term often abused), and so con- 
scientious, honorable and just have been the methods by which he has suc- 
ceeded, that it is the universal verdict of all who know him, that he richly 
merits all this success. 



JOSHU.A S. SALMON. 



Among the leading attorneys and representative men of New Jersey, is the 
Hon. Joshua S. Salmon, member of Congress from the fourth New Jersey 
district, and a citizen of Boonton. ^Ir. Salmon was born near Mount Olive, 
Morris County, this State, on February 2d, 1846, and is the son of Gideon and 
Jane (Van Fleet) Salmon. The Salmon family was originally Scotch, and one 
of them was knighted in the fourteenth century by Sir Robert Burns. .\t 
some period during the Highland Wars, the family removed from Scotland to 
England, locating at Southwold, in Suffolk County. From that locality three 
brothers of the name of Salmon came to America with their families in the 
year of 1638, one of them settling in Massachusetts, another on Long Island, 
while the place of settlement of the third is now unknown. The one who 
located on Long Island, established the town called Southhold, and became 
the owner of large tracts of valuable real estate on the Island. A descen- 
dant of his came to New Jersey and first settled on or near the site of the 
present City of Elizabeth. He, or one of his immediate descendents, soon 
afterwards removed to Schooley's ?iIountain. in Morris County and became 
a large real estate owner in that vicinity. From this branch of the family is the 
subject of our sketch descended. 

Mr. Salmon received a thorough preparatory education at Charlotteville, 
New York, and at Schooley's Mountain. Turning his attention to law as a 
profession, he took a course of study and was graduated with the degree of 
LL. B. from the Albany (New York) Law School, class of '73, and in March 
of the same year was admitted as an attorney and counsellor to the bar of New 
York State. He then entered the law office of the late Charles E. Scofield, 
of Jersey City, as a student and at the November term, 1875, of the Supreme 
Court of New Jersey, he was admitted as an attorney in this State. Following 
his admission to the New Jersey bar, he located at Boonton and at once en- 
tered upon the practice of his profession and has since continued. He later 
became a counsellor in this State, and on December 21st, 1894, was admittetl 
as an attorney and counsellor of the L'nited States Supreme Court. 

Mr. Salmon's professional career has been one of eminent success, and 
covers a wide experience in both civil and criminal law. He has always en- 
joyed an extensive practice. As a lawyer he has acquired a high place at the 
bar of New Jersey, and is recognized as one of the foremost practitioners of 
the commonwealth. His interest in public and political affairs began in 1875. 
For six years following 1876, he served as a member of the Boonton Common 
Council, and in 1877, he was elected to the Legislature, where he took an active 



332 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

and prominent part on the floor of the House. He was counsel for the Board 
of Chosen Freeholders of Morris county, between the years of 1880. and 1893, 
and in March of the latter year was appointed by Governor Werts to the 
position of Prosecutor of the Pleas for Morris county, which position he held 
for the full term of five years. During his term as prosecutor he had a large 
number of important and noted cases, among them being those of several 
homicides, which attracted considerable attention. The case of the State vs. 
Benjamin was carried to the United States Supreme Court and there decided 
against the prisoner, who was e.xecuted on June 20th, 1895. Another case, 
that of the State vs. Wilson, was carried to the Court of Errors and Appeals, 
ot this State, and that court sustained the conviction of Wilson, and he was e.xe- 
cuted on June 3d, 1897. 

As counsel Mr. Salmon has been connected with numerous important 
cases, notably that of Miller et als. v. Speer et als. in 1883, in which the 
sixth- section of the statute of descents received a construction by the Court 
of Errors and Appeals, whereby a large estate was secured for his clients, its 
possession having been taken by his opponents, who were believed by eminent 
counsel to be secure in their rights to the property. He has been counsel for the 
town of Boonton and for various townships in Morris County all the time 
since his admission to the bar. 

In 1878, Mr. Salmon was the Democratic candidate for County Clerk of 
Morris County, and in 1883, was nominee of his party for State Senator. In 
the year 1898, he was nominated by his party for member of Congress from 
the Fourth district, embracing the counties of Morris, Sussex, Warren and 
Hunterdon, and was elected in November of that year, after a spirited contest, 
the opposition leaving nothing undone to secure the return of a Republican mem- 
ber, the district at that time being represented by a member of that party. In 
the making up of the committees of the present session of Congress, Mr. 
Salmon was assigned to membership on the Committee for the Revision of 
Laws, an important one. 

Mr. Salmon has been a director of the Boonton National Bank since the 
organization of that institution in 1890. As a citizen he has always been 
active, enterprising and progressive, always ready and willing to do all in his 
power to advance the welfare and prosperity of the town, county and State. 
His influence has always been for the good of the community and of its insti- 
tutions and enterprises. 

Mr. Salmon has twice married, the first time on October 13th, 1869, to 
Virginia, the daughter of Jeremiah and Esther (Stout) Emmons, of Morris 
County, both of whom died when their daughter was but nine years of age. 
She died on March 12th, 1892, and on .-Vpril 19th, 1895, Mr. Salmon was mar- 
ried to Emma L. (Mains) Richards, widow of the late Jesse W. Richards, of 
Lincoln Park. New Jersey. 




/A/-nt.c^ ^^ ^^^^S-^L^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 333. 

OLIVER DRAKE-SMITH, 

Of Englewood, Xew Jersey, was Ijorn in New York City, June 7th, 1854, and 
is the son of the late Daniel Drake-Smith and Henrietta Maria Richards. 
His father, who died in 1887, was for many years president of the Commercial 
Mutual Marine Insurance Company of New York, was president of the New 
York Board of Marine Underwriters of New York, and was considered as an 
authority on marine insurance, often acting as arbitrator. The paternal and ma- 
ternal ancestors of Mr. Drake-Smith are of English descent, one of them, Joseph 
Drake, who settled in Orange County, New York, about 1750, is said to have 
descended from the family of the famous Sir Francis Drake. 

Mr. Drake-Smith attended private schools at New Canaan, Connecticut, 
Englewood, New Jersey; Philips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts: and 
Columbia College. He studied law in the New York office of Miller, Peet & 
Opdyke, and in 1875, was also graduated from the Columbia College Law 
School. Since his admission to the bar, he has practiced in New York City, 
with the e.xception of an interval in 1878, when he accompanied General John C. 
Fremont, Governor of Arizona, to that territory, and accompanied him on a 
tour of inspection. ;\Ir. Drake-Smith is secretary and treasurer of the Engle- 
wood Sewerage Company, is a director of the Bergen County Gas Light Com- 
pany, and the Englewood Electric Light Company, and is a trustee of the 
Englewood Protection Society, and the Fire Association. 

He is a Republican. In 1879, he was elected to the New Jersey House 
of Assembly from the Second District of Bergen, being the first Republican 
to represent this district in the Legislature. He served on the Judiciary and 
other committees. In 1882 and 1883, he was chairman of the Republican 
Cotmty Executive Committee and was active in directing the party policy in 
Bergen County. He was prominent in the organization of the Independent 
Republican party in New Jersey and was chairman of the campaign committee. 
He induced Henry Ward Beecher to stump the State at that time. He has 
been a member of the Englewood Township Committee, treasurer of the town, 
president of the Board of Health, trustee and treasurer of the tri-township 
poorhouse, president of the road board, a member of the city council and in 
i8g6 when Englewood was incorporated into a city, he was unanimously ap- 
pointed as its first Mayor, March 12th, of that year by the city council, which 
position he held until .Ma\- ist, when the newly-elected city officers assumed 
their official duties. He is now treasurer of the City of Englew^ood. 

He is a member of the Delta Phi Fraternity, the St. Anthony and .\lpha 
clubs of New York City, of the Englewood club, the Englewood Field club 
and other organizations. He married December 4th, 1879, Mary Lydecker. 
eldest daughter of ex-Senator Cornelius Lydecker, of Englewood, and has 
a daughter living, C)live Drake-Smith. 



HON. THOMAS N. McCARTER. 

For more than half a century a distinguished member of the New Jersey 
bar, honored and respected in every class of society. Thomas Nesbitt 



334 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

McCarter has for many years been a leader in thought and action in the pubhc 
Hfe of the State. A progressive and pubHc-spirited citizen, he is thoroughly 
in touch with modern advancement and a close student of all questions which 
concern the public welfare. In his profession he has long since left the ranks 
of the many to stand among the successful few, and in private life he has that 
strength and nobility of character which throughout the world command the 
highest esteem. 

New Jersey is proud to number him among her native sons. Born in 
Morristown, January 31st, 1824, he is the second son of Robert Harris and 
Eliza (Nesbitt) McCarter, of Morris County, and a grandson of John McCarter 
of Scotch-Irish ancestry, who came to America in 1775. Unmarked by event 
of special importance, the childhood days of Mr. McCarter passed quietly at 
Newton in Sussex County, his surroundings being such as to cultivate and de- 
velop his naturally studious instincts. Rev. Clarkson Dunn, of Newton, New 
Jersey, was his instructor in early youth, and when sixteen vears of age he was 
ready to enter college .Matriculating as a member of the junior class of 
Princeton University, he soon won the attention of professors and pupils by 
his brilliant literary attainments, and was graduated with honor in September, 
1842, delivering one of the orations at the commencement exercises. While 
in college he was a leading member of the Whig Society and took an active part 
in debating circles, giving evidences of that untramnieled speech and oratorical 
power which may have been one of the elements in his success at the bar. In 
1847, his alma mater conferred upon him in regular course the degree of Master 
of Arts. 

Carefully considering his future, and the question as to what use he should 
put the ability with which nature had endowed him. Mr. McCarter determined 
upon the legal profession as a life work, and soon after the completion of his 
collegiate course became a law student in the office of Hon. Martin Ryerson, 
of Xewton, New Jersey, who carefully directed his reading for some time. 
His preparation was thorough and accurate, and in October, 1845, 'i^ ^^'^s 
admitted to the bar of New Jersey, inmiediately afterward entering into parter- 
ship with his former preceptor. This association was most fortunate for the 
young lawyer, for Mr. Ryerson was one of the most eminent jurists that New 
Jersey had produced, and his counsel and assistance to Mr. McCarter proved 
most valuable. The partnership continued until 1853, and in the meantime 
Mr. McCarter had been licensed to practice as a counselor at law in January, 
1849. His success was marked and immediate, and within a short time he had 
a large and distinctive clientage. He brought all the powers of a strong mind 
and comprehensive knowledge of the law to bear upon the interests entrusted 
to his care, and his analytical abiHty enabled him to apply to the points in liti- 
gation, the principles of jurisprudence bearing closely upon them and to cite 
authority and precedent until the strength of his case was clearly seen by judge 
or jury. His deductions were logical, and the force of his arguments was shown 
in the many favorable verdicts which he gained. But undoubtedly one of the 
strongest elements in his splendid success was his indefatigable labor, without 
which high position at the bar can never be attained. He prepared his cases 
with the utmost thoroughness, planning not only for the expected, but also for 
the ime.xpected, which happens quite as frequently in the courts as out of them. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 335 

These characteristics, manifest in his early career, still clung to him and have 
given him remarkable power on the hustings. 

In his earlier years, in fact throughout his life. ]\Ir. McCarter has been 
irequently called upon to serve the public in positions of honor and trust, and 
has thus become an active factor in the management of affairs of State. In 
1854, he was elected collector of Sussex county for a three year term, and in 
1862, received the unusual compliment of being elected to the State Legis- 
lature by both parties without opposition. He served as chairman on the 
Committee on Ways and Means, prepared the new tax law which was rendered 
necessary to meet the extraordinary expense occasioned by the Civil War, and 
was active in securing the passage of a number of very important bills. In 1863 
he was appointed by Chancellor (ireen, reporter of the Court of Chancery and 
published two volumes of its reports. He was also connected with some private 
interests, being a director of the Sussex Bank, the Sussex Raidroad Company, 
and the well-known Morris Canal & Banking Company, being still connected 
with the last named as the oldest member of the directorate. 

Mr. McCarter's identification with Newark, dates from 1865. when he 
joined the bar of Essex County, to win new laurels and still higher honors as one 
of its representatives. From 1868, until 1882, he was associated in partner- 
ship with Oscar Keen, and is now at the head of one of the most prominent 
law firms in the State, which, under the name of McCarter, Williamson & 
McCarter, is controlling a very extensive and lucrative business. His part- 
ners are his two sons, Robert H. and Thomas X. McCarter, and his son-in-law, 
Edwin B. Williamson. He is counsel for the Lehigh \'alley Railroad Com- 
pany, the Morris Canal & Banking Company, the East Jersey Water Com- 
pany, the New Jersey Zinc & Iron Company and many other corporations. In 
every department of the law he has a strength that is indeed difificult to overcome. 
He is an able speaker whose addresses are characterized by logic, plain state- 
ment and clear appeals to the intelligence, and not to the prejudice and passions 
of his hearers. His utterances have the ring of truth and earnest conviction, 
and without the adornments of rhetoric are a strata of facts that are incontrover- 
tible. His fidelity to his clients" interests is proverbial, yet he never forgets that 
he owes a higher allegiance to the majesty of the law. His diligence and 
energy in the preparation of his cases, as well as the earnestness, tenacity and 
courage with which he defends the right as he understands it. challenges the 
highest admiration of his associates. Yet he scorns the glittering chaplet of 
forensic triumph if it nuist be gained by debasing himself, debaucliing public 
morality or degrading the dignity of his profession. 

Earlv in his professional career. Air. McCarter was married and thus gained 
the companionship, sympathy and assistance of Miss Mary Louise Haggerty, 
whom he wedded December 4th, 1849, She was a daughter of Uzal C. Hag- 
gerty, a prominent resident of Newton, New Jersey, and died June 28th, 1896, 
leaving six children: Robert H., a member of the law firm of McCarter, \\'il- 
liamson & McCarter; Uzal H.. secretary and trust officer of the Fidelity Title 
and Deposit Company, of Newark; Thomas N., also in partnership with his 
father; Fanny A., wife of Charles S. Baylis; Jane Haggerty, wife of Edwin B. 
Williamson; and Eliza Nesbitt, all of Newark. 

Mr. McCarter and his familv attend the Presbvterian church and his 



336 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

life exemplifies the principles and teachings set forth by the holv Xazarene. 
He has ever been the advocate of all measures calculated to uplift humanity 
and elevate the moral standard of the race. He is a man of scholarly attain- 
ments and wide acquaintance with the best literature of all ages, and in this 
line again his services have been sought on behalf of the public. In 1868, 
he delivered the annual commencement address before the Whig and Clio 
Societies at Princeton College, the trustees of which in 1875 conferred upon 
him the honorary degree of LL. D. For many years he has been a valued 
trustee of that institution, and has always taken an active interest in its pro- 
gress and welfare. For a time he was one of the trustees of Evelyn College, 
and was an organizer and the only president of the old Citizens' Law- and Order 
League, of Newark. He is an honorary incorporator of the Dickinson Law 
School, at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, a fellow of the American Geographical Society, 
vice-president of the Scotch-Irish Society of America, and of the Princeton 
Club, of New York. 

Mr. McCarter"s political support in earl\- life was given the Democracy, 
and on the Douglass ticket he was nominated a Presidential elector in i860. 
But the attitude which that party took in 1864, in regard to the prosecution of the 
war led him to ally his forces with the Republican party, of which he has 
since been a stanch advocate. He was a strong supporter of the Union during 
the rebellion, and with unswerving loyalty has ever labored for the best inter- 
ests of state and nation. Political honors have had no great attraction for 
him, and he has twice refused an appointment to the supreme bench of the 
State, prefering the private practice of law, having once been tendered the 
position by Governor Olden, and again by Governor Ward, in 1866. He was 
one of the commission of six to settle the New York and the New Jersey boun- 
darv line, his colleagues being Professor Cook, of Rutgers College, Hon. Abra- 
ham Browning, of New Jersey, and Chauncey \L Depew. Chancellor Pierson 
and Elias W. Leavenworth, of New York. 

Mr McCarter has won notable triumphs at the bar, and high honors in 
public life, but in private life has gained that warm personal regard which 
arises from true nobility of character, deference for the opinions of others, 
kindliness and geniality. His conversation is enlivened by wit and repartee 
that make him a fascinating companion. He inspires friendships of unusual 
strength, and all who know him have the highest admiration for his good quali- 
ties of heart and mind. 



HIRAM W. AND WILLIAM JEROME DAVIS. 

One of the prominent citizens of Harrison, Hudson county. New Jersey, 
is William J. Davis, who is descended from two of New Jersey's old families. 
The great-great-grandfather of our subject W'as Jacobie Davis, the father of 
Aaron. The latter was born on October 23, 1775, and was a cousin to William 
Davis, who in 1771, was the owner of all the territory where the village of Arling- 
ton in Kearney township, Hudson county, now stands. Aaron was the father 
of Mark W. Davis, who w-as born in Hope township, Warren county. New 




Sng'iyAEFatchie 






C'^i^(^^>U- 





BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF N^W JERSEY. 337 

Jersey, on March 4th, 1804, and removed to Harrison township, Hudson county, 
where he purcliased a farm and became largely interested in the cattle business, 
and where he also conducted a hotel, which was a noted stopping place for 
Western drovers. His son, Hiram W. Davis, father of our subject was born 
on February 8th, 1829, in Hope township, Warren county. New Jersey. After 
the removal of the family to Hudson County, Hiram W. continued his education 
in the schools of the neighborhood. As he grew older he assisted his father 
in various business enterprises. His father had invested much of his surplus 
earnings in land, all of which was inherited by his son, who became a man of 
large afifairs, and gained distinction as a promoter in street railways and real 
estate. In 1873 he disposed of much of his land to the East Newark Land 
Company, reserving certain lands in East Newark, and three acres in Harrison, 
now the family residence and occupied by his widow and children. 

On November 25th, 1851, he married r\Iiss Emma L. the daughter of 
David Sandford, of Hudson county. Mrs. Davis is descended from Captain 
William Sandford, who came from the Baradoes, West Indies, and resided 
in Newark in 1675, ^"d was a member of the Council during the years 1681-82- 
84. Hiram W. Davis' death occurred on August 22d, 1876. He was a member 
of the old Whig party, but later became a Democrat. Throughout his life 
he was always actively engaged in the field of politics. The office of free- 
holder was held by him for successive terms during important periods, and the 
County of Hudson was greatly indebted to him for many and vaulable services 
rendered by him. He was influential in obtaining a free bridge between his 
own county and Essex County and as a member of the building committee, 
appointed by the Board of Freeholders, for the erection of the Hudson coimty 
Penitentiary, he took an active and prominent part in the prosecution and com- 
pletion of that work. He was one of the incorporators of the East Newark 
Gaslight Company, and Horse Railway Company, and efficient in other public 
enterprises that required both executive ability and public spirit. He possessed 
a genial nature, was benevolent without ostentation, and enjoyed the esteem 
and confidence of the public. 

William J. Davis, son of Hiram W. Davis, was born in Harrison, where he 
resides at present, on Nov. 9, 1858. He was educated at Hackettstown Seminary 
and at Yale College. Upon graduating from college, he entered the office 
of Hon. William Brinkerhoff as a student, and was subsequently admitted to 
practice at the bar of New Jersey. He has practiced in Harrison continuously 
since. At the present time he is a director in and connected with several of the 
trolley lines of Essex and Hudson Counties, and is counsel for a number of 
manufacturing corporations. Mr. Davis is president of the Martin .\ct Com- 
missioners of the towns of Harrison and Kearney, and is also a member of the 
Sinking Fund Commissioners. He has never sought any elective office, al- 
though a number of times solicited by friends to run for the Assembly. He 
has always taken a great interest in local and State politics, and has attended 
the last five Republican National Conventions. During National campaigns 
he has been at the head of the organization in West Hudson countv, generally 
mustered together from a thousand to fifteen hundred. He is also president 
of the East Newark Gas Light Company, the Hudson Electric Light Company, 

22 



338 BIOGRAPHiCAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

and is counsel for the Harrison and Kearney Building and Loan Association. 
He is a member of the Union League and Harrison and Kearney Campaign 
Clubs. He is also one of the commissioners appointed by Governor \'oor- 
hees to consider the advisability of consolidating all of the towns and cities in 
Hudson Count)- into one large municipality. 



WILLIAM PIERSON, JR., M. D., 

Eldest son of Dr. \\'illiam and Margaret (Hillyer) Pierson, was born in (Jrange, 
November 20th, 1830. He inherited his love of the profession from his 
worthy ancestors, and began, early in life, a course of study especially adapted 
to the work. He received a thorough preparatory course and was graduated 
at the medical department of the New York University, in 1852, afterwards re- 
ceived the honorary degree of A. .M. from Nassau Hall, Princeton, New 
Jcrsev. He returned at once to his native town, where he commenced the 
practice of his profession and soon distinguished himself in surgery — a branch 
in which he was especially interested, and to which he designed to give the 
greatest attention. He inherited the many estimable qualities of mind and 
heart, as well as the eminent professional skill which distinguished his worthy 
ancestors. While taking no part in politics, he is public-spirited and enter- 
prising, and has the welfare of his native town as much at heart as did either 
cf his ancestors. He has been so entirely absorbed in the work of his profes- 
sion as to be unable to give any attention to public matters, save in the cause 
of education, to which he has given much attention. He was the first presi- 
dent of the Board of Education and served for twelve consecutive years in this 
position. During this period, large appropriations were made for public 
schools and there was a greater advancement in educational matters than in 
a;iv previous period in the history of the Oranges. Dr. Pierson, although never 
himself to any e.xtent a beneficiary of the public school system has always 
been an earnest advocate for the higher education of the masses, and has ac- 
complished inuch in this direction for his native city. As a director, he assis- 
tsd for many years in the management of the affairs of the Orange Bank. His 
reputation as a physician and surgeon is not confined to the Oranges, but he is 
well-known throughout the State. He is a member of the New Jersey Medical 
Society, and has served as its secretary since 1866. He is a member of the Essex 
county District Medical Society, the New Jersey .\cademy of Medicine, and the 
(Grange Mountain Medical Society, some of which he was chiefly instrumental 
in organizing, and has been president of all. He is attending surgeon at the 
Orange Memorial Hospital, consulting surgeon of St. Mary's Hospital, 
Morristown, St. Barnabai Hospital, Newark, attending surgeon and medical 
director of St. Michael's Hospital, Newark. During the Civil War he was sur- 
geon of the Board of Enrollment of the fourth congressional district, of New 
Jersey, and volunteer surgeon on the Governor's stafif. He was several times 
assigned to duty on the battlefield, where he rendered important service. 

Dr. Pierson possesses the same genial, kindly nature, characteristic of all 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 339 

his ancestors, and is much beloved by those, who for years have benefited by 
his professional advice and attention. 

Dr. Pierson is justly proud of his ancestors on both sides, who have 
achieved distinction in every generation. His great-grandfather. Lieutenant 
Abraham Riker, served in the Continental Army before the signing of the 
declaration of independence, and the doctor has the original commission, dated 
at Philadelphia, June 20th, 1775, signed by John Hancock. Dr. Pierson 
married Miss Isabel F. Adams, daughter of B. F. Adams, of Chicago, son of 
Benjamin (2), born 1763; son of Benjamin ( i ), born 1728: son of Thomas (2.) 
son of Thomas (i), son of William Adains, the ancestor, born in England, 1594, 
came to America 1628, settled in Ipswick. The children of Dr. Pierson are 
Margaret and Louisa. 



HENRY DICKSON. 



A prominent contractor and builder of Newark, New Jersey, belongs to that 
class of progressive, enterprising citizens to whom is attributable the upbuilding 
and consequent prosperity of a community. One cannot study far into the 
history of this section of New Jersey without meeting with the imprint of his 
labors in conspicuous connection with the architectural development of New- 
ark. 

Mr. Dickson was born in Newark, New Jersey, June 27th, 1853. His pre- 
liminary education was acquired at the public schools of his native city, which 
he attended until the age of sixteen, at which time he left to learn the trade 
of architect and builder. He had formed a desire to connect himself with 
this line of business, and his success has proved that the vocation he adopted 
was well selected. For five years he devoted his most earnest energies to 
mastering the details of the business, and by the time he became twenty-one 
years of age he had so thoroughly acquired all knowledge of the business 
that he was then recognized as thoroughly proficient to assume the manage- 
ment of a business for himself. During the period that he was following the trade 
he devoted his leisure time to the study of mechanical drawing, and while he 
never had a tutor, he was able, from various works he secured, to thoroughly 
familiarize himself with every branch of the building and contract business. 
In 1871, he entered the employ of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Rail- 
road Company taking charge of some of their construction work. His con- 
nection with this railroad company was brought about, not so much from the 
compensation he derived, as it was to thoroughly familiarize himself with 
bridge building and constructing work. He remained in their employ until 1880. 

From the time that he established himself in business in Newark, his 
business has been large. This is phenomenal, from the fact that he entered into 
competition with older firms in his line, yet, during the time that he had con- 
nected himself with the craft, he had so far established a reputation that he was 
generallv well known, and his reputation as an efificient and c|ualified builder 
had been thoroughly established. Few, if any, have acquired the handling of 



5^ BIOGRAPHIC-\L HISTORY OF NEW' JERSEY. 

largrer or more inqwrta^ cooiraGts. and he is zz zn--^-- -•-;•! fes' tht new 5- 
brary lor Xewark. ktoad in Wasfcii^tOB strer: 

tract c - S"-e L _ -^ \ . - _ -^ - - - _ _ _ __ 

appointee "igard i 

R — £1 RslnrEv. Near Jersej. tbe plaas and ;- - '-ikrli sob- 

n: - "^ " . • ^JTi accepted ami ' . He was 

al- : ^ , - , . .re. one oc tiie ; - - - - _ -rrise the 

erectjon of ibe nesr wnsgs to the Scare Prison- at Ivessaa. New Jer=ev. 

Mr. Dickioc's work has not been cosifined to New Jersey alooe. as in rbe 
past he ha? hssdl-eA larg^ contracts for the erectioa ce ware-4sotises and ptibiic 
bml*!:- _ - -■- and Brooklyn- bni at - ■ t his bosiness has 

asstmi^ _ .--..: : r _ : . r __ _ :__■ ijiat he accepts ooiy coasia:i^ ; : ew Jersey- 

As a rnan of sonnd ftidgtiient aisi business abiEty. Mr. Dicksoo has grvea 

his arrentiori to other : - - -' -- '- _ 'nected. He is pcea- 

dent of the Compresse - and was. lor several 

years, presidetn: of the Master iias-oc's Association- zsd a procii-ieitt raember os 
the Btdlders" and Traders" ELxc'ri-r^ ~~ternally be is a Free Masoa. and 
a meinfaer of the Kiagfets of E - .-any he is a Repcbiicaii. and has 

been a liberal comribc" - - ^ ,:^ Pany." " ■ 'r-ix or the 

Xorthem RepfabHczn - -- - -ber of the Xor- Fre- 

quently he has been solicired by his friends to accept offiice. bet has always 
re^ - ■ - accept poiiiical prefennent- nsing as an excuse, his boaness imerests 
w pemrit tem to do so. 

iir. i>ick3on is married and resides with his sainibr in Newark. Xew Terse.. 



WILLLVM O. KLEBLER. 



Labor. hosKKabJe and well dinected has long snce been granted ks proper 
piace in iIk plan of the worid. and it is the bcsy man who is the leader in all 
aSairs. His &deir- - --= --- = ; "-- --;-•- --■ "--;--^:; i5 carried on is that 
wherebT he is iwU; : is reached in accord- 

ance with his accomp^ xa this re - ' Knebler has won the 

cosHnendaticKi and resj- : ; ^— -lii whom he r^? ' t in cocsact. He b£s 
led a bti5y and a nsefnl liie. and by I^ own efiorts has worked his way stei 
tqywanL "ird boy in the beginning' ol his career, he has riser --' 

step to T^ positioQS in. th-e cocnmercal worid. and is now hoc ; : 

an iir^ .tc oSce. that of Cotmty Clerk <jf Essex coanty. 

il--. . .cT was bom in Xew York and is a son of Panl Knebler a jeweler. 

who came to rbt<^ c omiiiv in 1848. iocaiing in Xew York City. In the Ameri- 
can m ' ' - ' rniied in marriage to ' ' ~ Bracher. also a narire 
Of Ge- -.03 removeii -ssith hi; -iex cotmty. where he 
spent his remaistirLg days, his death 'Dc-cttrring m 1886. at the age of fifty-nine 
years. In his iaimly were nine children- seven sons and two danghters- and of 
this ntnnber seven are now fivii^. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 341 

William O. Kuebler, the second in order of birth, first opened his eyos to 
the light of day in Kew York City, December 4, 1859, and at the age of three 
years was brought by his parents to Essex county. He attended the German- 
American school on Green street, Newark, also the public schools of this city, 
but was compelled to lay aside his text-books at the age of fourteen years in 
order to assist in the support of the younger members of the family. This has 
always been one of his life's duties, and nobly has he performed it. He first 
secured a situation as errand boy in a furniture store, where he remained for 
about a year, when he entered the employ of F. W. Rodeman, a druggist on 
Ferry street, continuing there as an apprentice for one year. He next accepted 
a junior clerkship in the employ of Ernest Dreher on Broad street, with whom 
he remained for five years, during which time he also attended the Xew York 
School of Pharmacy, and after a course therein he received his diploma from 
the Xew Jersey State Board of Pharmacy in 1877. After the completion of 
his college course he entered the employ of John L. Kinsey, in Broad street, 
Xewark, and after working there for a year and a half he was ofTered a position 
in the employ of David M. Stiger & Company, of 58 Barkley street, Xew York 
City. He remained with the latter house for five years, at the expiration of 
which period he became interested in the wholesale drug business of William 
M. Townley, of Xewark, and assumed the management of the business, which 
he conducted for three years, when he withdrew, forming a business connection 
with the firm of Lehn & Fink, of Xew York City. He took charge of the Xew 
Jersey wholesale department as salesman and remained at that place for more 
than two years, next accepting a position as traveling salesman for Pier Broth- 
ers, wholesale druggists, who offered him an increased salary. His territory 
was the entire United States, and during his three years' connection with that 
house he traveled extensively over the country, gaining that knowledge, experi- 
ence and culture which only travel can bring, as well as doing effective service 
in the interest of his employers. 

For some years Mr. Kuebler has taken a deep interest in political affai's, 
and has always been a stanch Republican, laboring earnestly for the success and 
growth of his party. During the presidential campaign of 1884. he was elected 
Brigadier-General, commanding the Third Brigade, comprised of sixteen uni- 
formed companies. Since that time he has been actively interested in every 
campaign, and his labors have not been without results beneficial to the party. 
In the spring of 1895 he was elected Alderman in a strong Democratic ward, 
which he carried by one hundred and forty-eight votes, when the usual Demo- 
cratic majority was about four hundred. He was the only Alderman elected on 
the Republican ticket in the Sixth Ward since its present limits were established. 
In the spring of 1897 he was renominated for the office, as a result of his capalile 
discharge of the duties in the first term, but at the time he was away on a busi- 
ness trip and could not return in time to qualify. In the fall of 1897 he was 
elected County Clerk of Essex county, carrying the county by si.x thousand seven 
hundred votes, and the city by over three thousand, receiving a majority in 
twelve out of the fifteen wards of Xewark. This fact well indicates his personal 
popularity and the high regard reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He 
numbers many friends in Democratic as well as Republican ranks, for his sterling 
qualities are such as everywhere command respect. 



342 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Mr. Kuebler was married in Newark in 1882, to Miss Minnetta Homann, 
and to them were born five children, of whom three are now Hving. Socially 
Mr. Kuebler is connected with various civic societies, holding membership in 
Kane Lodge, No. 55, F. & A. M. ; Granite Lodge, K. of P.; the Royal Arcanum, 
a number of Republican clubs, and of the New Jersey College of Pharmacy 
he is now trustee. He carries forward to successful completion whatever he 
undertakes, for untiring perseverance and honorable effort are his chief charac- 
teristics. He is broad-minded, generous, kindly and charitable, and Newark 
numbers him among her valued citizens. 



ROWLAND COX 



Is a native of Philadelphia, where he was born July 9, 1842. In the fall of 1862 
he enlisted as a private in the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry \'olunteers, and 
served with that regiment, and upon detached duty for about a year. Then he 
was appointed Assistant Adjutant-General, with the rank of Captain, and as- 
signed to duty at the headquarters of the Seventeenth Army Corps, serving upon 
the staff of Major-General McPherson, and at a later date upon the staff of 
jMajor-General Frank P. Blair. Captain Cox's military duties had interrupted 
his college course at Princeton, but he received his diploma with the class of 
'64, and two years later was admitted to the bar. 

Since his admission he has been actively engaged in the practice of his 
profession, and has been identified with many of the most important cases re- 
lating to unfair competition, trade-marks and copyrights that have been tried 
in this country. Among the cases in which he has appeared for the com- 
plainant, and in which injunctions have been granted, may be mentioned the 
following: Sawyer v. Horn, (i Fed. Rep. 24): Anheuser-Busch Brewing As- 
sociation V. Piza, (24 lb. 149); Menendez v. Holt, (128 U. S. 514), a leading case 
in the Supreme Court of the United States; Celluloid Man. Co. v. Cellonite Man. 
Co., (32 Fed. Rep. 94), an important case decided by Justice Bradley; 
Enoch Morgan's Sons Co., v. Wendover, (43 Fed. Rep. 420); Black v. Henry G. 
Allen Co., (42 Fed. Rep. 618, 56 Fed. Rep. 764), known as the '"Britannica 
Cases," in which the reproduction of the copyrighted articles which constitute a 
part of the "Encyclopaedia Britannica" was restrained; Falk v. Gast Litho- 
graphing Co., (48 Fed. Rep. 262), an important copyright case decided by the 
L^nited States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit: Untermeyer 
V. Freund, a case decided by the same court, in which the law of design patents 
was expounded; Clark Thread Co. v. Armitage, (74 Fed. Rep. 936), a case re- 
lating to unfair competition in same court; N. K. Fairbank Co. v. R. W. Bell 
Man. Co., {"jy Fed. Rep. 896). also in the same court, in which the decree of the 
court below was reversed, and what was in some aspects a new rule was an- 
nounced: Walter Baker & Co., Limited v. Sanders, also in the United States 
Circuit Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in which the use by the defen- 
dant of his own name was effectually regulated. Mention should also be made 
of the case of Johnson & Johnson v. I'auer & Black, decided by the United 
States Circuit Court of .\ppeals for the Seventh Circuit, and Raymond v. Royal 




ROWLAND COX 




ANGUS SINCLAIR 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 343 

Baking Powder Co., decided by the same court, in which injunctions were 
granted to protect the reputation of the complainants. In all of these cases, 
and many others, ]\Ir. Cox has represented the complainant, and has contended 
successfully for the broadest possible recognition and application of the maxims 
of equity. 



ANGUS SINCLAIR, 



Whose portrait is herein shown is one of the most distinguished mechanical 
engineers in the world, and is a famous writer on railroad and engineering sub- 
jects. He is a native of Scotland, and received in that country a good engineer- 
ing education. He came to America in 1874, and engaged in railroad work 
of different kinds, the longest period of one occupation having been that of 
running a locomotive for seven years. While running an engine on a short 
railroad in Iowa he attended the chemistry classes of the Iowa State University, 
and learned sufficient about the chemistry of engineering to lead to his being 
appointed chemist for the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway. He 
was for several years engme-house foreman for that Company. 

While engaged in railroad work Mr. Sinclair began contributing articles 
to the technical press, and he soon acquired so much reputation as a clear- 
headed writer on subjects difficult to explain readily, that he began receiving 
offers from publishers to join their staff. He finally accepted an offer from the 
"American Machinist"' of New York, and was for several years one of its editors. 
Having more affinity for railroad engineering than any other, he accepted the 
position of chief editor of a railroad paper. Latterly he bought one for himself, 
and is now editor and proprietor of "Locomotive Engineering," the most popu- 
lar railroad paper in the world. 

Mr. Sinclair is author of several works, one of them. "Locomotive Engine 
Running," having gone through twenty-two editions in fifteen years, each edi- 
tion being one thousand He is regarded as an authority on the combustion 
of fuels. Certain pamphlets relating to combustion and firing kave passed the 
one hundred thousand mark in sales. Mr. Sinclair was, for ten years, secre- 
tary of the American Railway Master Mechanics Association, which took him 
into close relationship with railway officials, who consulted with him frequently 
about the selection of men for master mechanics. It is believed that more men 
have obtained appointments as railroad mechanical officials from the good 
offices of Mr. Sinclair than from the efforts of any other man. He lives on 
Beech street. East r)range; is a member of Hope Lodge of Free and Accepted 
Masons, is a member of several engineering societies, and a variety of clubs, 
including the Lawvers' Club, of New York. 



JAMES H. ALEXANDER 



Is a descendant of one of the oldest of Scotland's families. James H. Alex- 
ander came to the L^nited States from his birthplace, Toronto, Canada. 



344 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



His ancestors represented both England and Scotland. His father, James Alex- 
ander, coming from Edinburgh, and his mother being the representative of an 
old English family. 

Mr. Alexander was born September ig, 1839 Having completed his aca- 
demic education, he entered Knox College, from which he was graduated with 
honor. 

With a determination to seek his fortunes in the United States he came to 
Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he became connected with the Standard Oil Com- 




JAMES H, ALP:XAXI)ER. 

pany, and, being a man of abilit)-, integrity and great force of character, he was 
called upon by the company to accept the important office of the second vice- 
president of this company, which position he accepted, giving to it the best of his 
v^'isdom and business abilit\. Mr. .Me.xander was recognized by his associates 
as a man especially fitted for the successful management of financial affairs; we 
therefore, find him filling the honorable positions of director of the First National 
Bank of Elizabeth, and that of director of the Mechanics' Trust Bank of Bergen 
Point, New Jersey. As a man interested in charitable work and educational 
advance, he served with great faithfulness upon the Ijoarcl of directors of the 
Elizabeth Hospital. 



\ 



*p3p 



4 



WW 




«<• 





BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 345 

Mr. Alexander is also connected with several of the prominent clubs of 
Elizabeth, and is well known in the works of public and private charity in that 
city. 

He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and takes a great interest 
in all which contribute to its advancement. 

Mr. Alexander married Miss Elizabeth Thompson, of Pennsylvania. Their 
children are Howard T., Alexander, James L., and Earle Alexander. 

Of the many who have crossed our borders from the Canadian possessions, 
no man has come to us bringing a better name, or doing better work in his 
chosen home than James H. Alexander. 



QEORQE H. BABCOCK, 



The distinguished inventor and philanthropist, was born at Unadilla Forks, a 
hamlet near Otsego, New York, June 17, 1832. He was the second child of 
Asher M. and Mary E. (Stillman) liabcock, of the old Puritanic stock of Rhode 
Island. The father was a well-known inventor and mechanic of his time, the 
pin-wheel motion in plaid looms being among the number of his many inge- 
nious and successful mechanisms. The mother also was descended from a 
family of mechanics, her father, Ethan Stillman, having been distinguished as 
constructor of ordnance for the government in the War of 1812, and his brother, 
William Stillman, as a lock-maker and clock manufacturer, and the inventor of a 
pioneer unpickable bank lock, long before the days of Chubb and Hobbs. 

George H. P.abcock spent most of his boyhood in the villages of Homer 
and Scott, both in Cortland county. New York. When he was twelve years old 
the family moved to Westerly, Rhode Island, where George received a fair edu- 
cation, subsequently spending a year in the Institute at Deruyter, New York. 
In Westerly he met Stephen Wilcox, afterward a famous inventor, but at that 
time a capable mechanic of the village. About this time young Babcock, be- 
ing in feeble health and threatened with consumption, took up the new art of 
daguerreotyping. Through the healing influence of the fumes of iodine, used 
in developing the plates, he recovered his health, as he believed, and enjoyed 
a remarkable amount of physical vigor during the remainder of his long and 
active career. Photography never lost its fascination with him, and he con- 
tinued to practice the art as an amateur, and was a successful and distinguished 
photographer to tlie time of his death. 

In 1851, when but nineteen years of age, he established the first printing 
office in that section of the country, and began the publication of the "Literary 
Echo." The paper continued its existence as the "Westerly Weekly," but, in 
1854, he sold his interest in it to resume the art of daguerroeotyping. In that 
year he. in conjunction with his father, invented the polychromatic printing 
press. By this invention a sheet could be printed in three colors at once. 
This machine was placed in the hands of C. Potter, Jr., of Westerly, Rhode 
Island, to manufacture and sell, and after all expenses were paid the profits were 
to be divided equally. This contract, which was entered into on the first day of 
January, 1855, was what started Mr Potter in the printing press business. He 



346 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

exhibited this press at the fair of the American Institute, in October, 1855. and 
obtained a silver medal for it. After about one year's trial with this machine 
Mr. Potter found that the press, while it did mechanically all that was promised 
of it, was so far ahead of the times that it did not prove a financial success, and 
Mr. Potter, by mutual agreement, gave the invention back into the hands of the 
inventors, who pursued the business for several years longer, losing heavilv in the 
end. 

A year or two later Mr. Babcock invented and patented a very unique and 
useful foot-power job press, which he placed in the hands of Mr. Potter, on the 
same terms as the former. This press in his hands became a success from the 
start, and manj- of them were sold, but after several years its success was arrested 
by a competing builder, who claimed that in some of its features it was an in- 
fringement of his, and threatened Mr. Potter and all his customers with suits for 
infringement. As Mr. Potter had not the money to carry on e.xpensive patent 
suits, and the other man had, the business became badly embarrassed, and, 
finally, sales nearly ceased. The contract was, therefore, terminated. This 
ended the printing press business with Mr. Babcock. 

The father and son next resumed temporary control of the "Echo," issuing 
it as the "Xarragansett Weekly," but about one year afterward they sold their 
interest in the paper, and in i860 Mr. Babcock removed to Brooklyn, X. Y.. and 
spent three years in the office of Thomas D. Stetson, who was a prominent patent 
solicitor with a large practice. He was so proficient in mechanical matters that 
the authorities of Cooper Union engaged him to instruct a class in mechanical 
drawing, and his evenings were accordingly devoted to Cooper Union, greatly 
to the advantage of himself as well as of his pupils. In i860 his reputation as 
a draughtsman and inventor led to his employment by the Mystic Iron Works, 
at Mystic, Connecticut, whose shops were taking part in the construction of war 
vessels for the United States government. Soon afterward his services as chief 
draughtsman w^ere secured by the Hope Iron Works, of Providence, Rhode 
Island. For these two establishments he designed the machinery for a number 
of steam vessels belonging to the merchant marine and the federal navy. Dur- 
ing this period he improved the Shrapnel shell, employed during the war in en- 
gagements at close quarters. In this field of work Mr. Babcock gradually drew 
near the inventions which were destined to bring him fame and fortune. In 
1876 he and his friend \\'ilcox, formed the firm of Babcock & Wilcox, and 
took out a patent for a steam boiler. Their boiler was so designed that nothing 
like a real explosion could occur. They also produced a steam engine, and 
in 1868, moved to Xew York City to push this branch of their business to better 
advantage. Arrangements were made by them for the building of their engines 
bj- the Hope Iron Works, of Providence: ^lorton, Poole & Company, of Wil- 
mington, Delaware; Poole & Hunt, of Baltimore, and the C. & G. Cooper & 
Company, of Mount A'ernon, Ohio. This engine possessed some singularly in- 
teresting and ingenious elements of novelty and utility. 

Babcock & \\'ilcox incorporated the Xew York Safety Steam Power Com- 
pany in 1868. to build their engines and boilers, and the industry was conducted 
successfully until the expiration of the Corliss patents, when their engine was 
withdrawn from the market. 

Their most famous invention was the Babcock & Wilcox safetv or sectional 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 347 

tubular steam-boiler, based on an earlier invention of Mr. Wilcox, in 1856. and 
so constructed that explosion would not be dangerous. Mr. Babcock so de- 
signed the boiler, however, that anything like a real explosion would not occur 
at all. Establishments of great magnitude were erected at Elizabeth, New Jer- 
sey, and at Glasgow, Scotland, for the extensive introduction of this boiler. For 
over a quarter of a century the firm successfully extended its market in the face 
of competition, and the introduction of this boiler and others of its class have 
thus saved to the world lives and property of inestimable value. Through the 
operations of this commercial and business arrangement the parties acquired 
both wealth and fame. 

Of his w-ealth Mr. Babcock made a worthy use; for many years he gave time 
and thought and money to the promotion of the interest of the Seventh-Day 
Baptists, the religious body with which he identified himself, and the advance- 
ment of the cause of education, especially on its practical and technical side. He 
made magnificent gifts for edi.cational. missionary and religious purposes, and 
was the corresponding secretary for the American Sabbath Tract Society, wnich 
position he held for nearly twelve years. During the years of 1874-85, he was 
a superintendent of a Sabbath-school in Plainfield, and made his work famous. 
His love of Bible study, his black board illustrations, and the growth and pros- 
perity of the school in consequence during the time of his incumbency, were 
often and favorably commented upon by the keen observers of the press. He 
was president of the board of trustees of Alfred University, to which he gave 
large sums, both during his life-time and by bequests and was a non-resident 
lecturer of Cornell University from 1885 to 1893, in the Sibley College courses 
in mechanical engineering. His most important papers — mainly on the scien- 
■tilic principles involved in the generation and use of steam power, and on the 
best methods of boiler construction — were prepared for the last named courses. 
His last engagement, abrogated by his death, was for a lecture in the spring of 
1894. His papers were always well planned, thorough, full of facts and useful 
knowledge, and polished in expression. His delivery was quiet but impressive, 
and he held an audience, whether of college students or business men, interested 
to the end, however long the address. Mr. Babcock was a charter member, and 
at one time president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and 
was made a life member early in the history of the Society. 

In 1870 Mr. Babcock located in Plainfield, New Jersey. He was president 
of the Board of Education of Plainfield, and was also a director of the public 
library of that city and a trustee of Alfred University, and by persistent efforts 
promoted the growth of both. He did much to improve the city by the erection 
of fine buildings and- through other enterprises. One block of buildings con- 
structed by him is considered the finest architecturally between New York and 
Philadelphia. His activity and influence in the church in which he was a life-long 
member, were equally marked and effective, and it owes much to his energy, his 
ever livelv interest and his personal liberality. Mr. Babcock was a man of cul- 
ture, and of broad and varied reading. He was devout and honorable, kindlv, af- 
fectionate and thoughtful for others, was a loving husband and kind father. In 
every relation in life he manifested admirable qualities, 

Mr. Babcock was married September 28, 1852. to Lucy Adelia Stillman, of 
Westerlv, Rhode Island, who died May 20, 1861: September 25, 1862, he was 



348 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

married to Harriet Mandane Clark, of Plainfield. New Jersey. She died March 
5, 1881. His third marriage took place February 14, 1883. when he was united 
to Eliza Lua Clark, of Scott, New York, who died, March 21, 1893, '^^ ^'^s 
married to Eugenia Louise Lewis, of Ashaway, Rhode Island. His children 
were Georgie Luason Babcock, born January 7, 1885, and Herman Edgar Bab- 
cock, who was born July 9, 1886, and who died August 6, 1886. His wife and 
the one son survive him. 



EDWARD SANDERSON BLACK, 

The well-known lawyer, is a son of ex-Alderman Joseph Black, who was born 
in 1804, in the City of Newark, at Elm Cottage, which was the old family 
homestead, and which was located on the northeast corner of Elm and Mulberry 
streets. The elder Black died in 1887, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. 
He was noted for his strict integrity, and for his love of antiquities, in the shape 
of old books and curios. In 1855 he was elected the first Alderman from the 
•old Ninth Ward. He chose the site of the Chestnut Street Public School, 
and purchased the same for the city. His remains lie in the beautiful Mt. Pleas- 
ant Cemetery of this city, where a handsome monument has been erected to 
his- memory by his two sons, Edward S. and \\'illiam H. Black. 

James Black, the father of Joseph, and grandfather of the subject of this 
sketch, was a Scotch pioneer, who married a Miss Hardenbroeck, a member of 
the celebrated Knickerbocker family of that name, which is mentioned in Wash- 
ington Irving's "Knickerbocker History of New York." Joseph Black mar- 
ried Miss Hannah R. Sanderson, a daughter of the late Hon. Edward Sanderson, 
of Elizabeth, wlio was at one time Mayor of that place, and editor of the Eliza- 
beth "Journal." The Sandersons were an old New England family . 

Edward S. Black, the subject of this sketch, was born at Elm Cottage, on 
March 6, 1836, his father being an Alderman of the city at that time. Every old 
resident of the city is familiar with the joke which the city fathers had over the 
advent. 

Mr. Black was educated in the public schools of this city, the Peddie Insti- 
tute at Hightstown, and then entered the law ofifice of Judge J. Franklin Fort, 
of this city. He also attended the Columbia Law School, in New York, 
from which he graduated in the class of 1879, with high honors, and received 
the degree of Bachelor of Laws. . In February of the same year he was ad- 
mitted to the bar of this State as an attorney at law and solicitor in chancery, 
and was shortly afterwards appointed master in chancery by Chancellor Run- 
yon, and a few years later was admitted as a counsellor at law. Upon being 
admitted to the bar, Mr. Black opened an office in Newark, and it was not long 
before his ability and perseverance attracted attention. He seemed to do a 
good business from the start, which has steadily increased from year to year, 
so that he is now regarded as one of the largest general practitioners of the 
Essex county bar. After the second failure of the Newark Savings Institution, 
Mr. Black was retained as counsel by the German depositors to look after their 
interests, which he faithfullv did for about two vears. and for which he made 




EDWARD S. BLACK 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 349. 

no charge. It was largely due to his efforts that $100,000 was obtained from 
the directors to help make up the deficiency. Mr. Black endeared himself in 
the hearts of his clients in this matter, and he cherishes among his choicest 
treasures a gold watch, chain and locket, presented to him by the depositors. 
The watch bears the following inscription: "Presented to E. S. Black, Esq., 
liy the depositors of Newark Savings Institution, Christmas, '86." 

The argument made by Air. Black in the contempt case in the Court of 
Char.cery against President Dodd and the directors, was considered a great 
effort, for which he received universal praise. Mr. Black has not particularly 
sought for criminal practice, but he has been counsel in a number of important 
cases of that kind, in which he has been very successful. He represented Eddie 
Coates in the celebrated Maggie Albrecht murder case, and his faith in his 
client's innocence, when the press and general public almost unanimously be- 
lieved him guilt}-, had very much to do in leading to the apprehension and 
punishment of the Italian who committed the deed. Mr. Black's practice, as 
above indicated, is of a general nature, and there is scarcely any branch of law in 
which he is not proficient, but the line in which he has achieved the greatest 
success is probably that of divorce cases. It is something almost remarkable, 
and yet it is a fact, that of the numerous cases of this nature which have passed 
through his hands, Mr. Black has never lost but one, and in that case he repre- 
sented the defendant in a case where the evidence was strongly against his cli- 
ent. But even in this case, he distinguished himself by such argument as to 
call forth the public commendation of the court, and the statement from the 
court stenographer, who was present, that it was the finest argument in a di- 
vorce case to which he had ever listened. 

Mr. Black's distinguished traits as a lawyer are, an indomitable will, a 
capacity for hard work, complete absorption in whatever he undertakes, and a 
perfect devotion to his client's interest. He is, however, not only devoted ta 
law', but has a strong love for literature, which is shown by the large and hand- 
some library of 2,500 volumes, which he has gathered together at his comfort- 
able home, on Monmouth street. Here may be found the works of the lead- 
ing minds the world has produced, in every department of thought, and they 
are not there for show, l)ut give evidence that their owner is in the habit of 
frequently consulting them. Theology, law, medicine, poetry, science, biog- 
raphy, history, art and fiction are all represented on the shelves of this well 
selected librarv. He inherited his love of books from his father, who was pas- 
sionately fond of them, and who, during the last few years of his life, did noth- 
ing else but visit old book stores hunting for rare and choice works. Joseph 
Black was a member of the New Jersey Historical Society, whose shelves con- 
tain many valuable books and pamphlets presented by him, and his son Edward 
is a member of the same society. The latter has written editorials, news- 
pa]jer articles, and poems, and has delivered numerous lectures and addresses 
on politics, religion, and other general subjects, and has taken part in debates, 
and always to tlie pleasure and improvement of those who have either read or 
listened. The "'Evening Star", a poem, was composed by the subject of our 
sketch when he was sixteen years of age, and was jjublished in the New York 
"Ledger." He has also translated some beautiful verses from the German, 
notably. "The Wiled Image at Sais." 



350 BIOGRAPHICAL hlSiOkV OF x\E\V JERSEY. 

During the past two years Mr. Black's poetical productions have been nu- 
merous, and of a high order of merit. Probably his best known poem is "The 
Land of Is-to-be," which was dedicated to Rev. S. Edward Young, a former 
pastor of ^Ir. Black, and which has had a very large sale, eight editions having 
already been published. It was received with universal delight, not only in 
this conuiiunity, but in other parts of the country. Commendations have 
been expressed by such persons as President McKinley, President Seth Low, 
of Columbia University, President Butts, of Drew Theological Seminary, Rev, 
Dr. R. S. AlacArthur, Rev. Dr. J. L. Campbell, Aliss Mary B. Sleight, poetess 
and novelist, of Sag Harbor, L. I., Rev. Dr. Ferd C. Iglehart, Prof. John R. 
Sweney, Rev. Dr. Lyman, Whitney Allen, Rev. Dr. Charles T. Haley, Rev. 
Dr. Daniel H. Martin, Rev. S. Edward Young, Hon. R. Wayne Parker, and 
hundreds of others, besides various newspapers, including the New York Tri- 
bune, New York Herald, Newark Evening News, and Newark Daily Adverti- 
ser. Professor Sweney was so favorably impressed with it as to write a tune 
for it. The hymn and tune appear in "Songs of Love and Praise, No. 5," 
edited by Professor Sweney, and published early in 1898. Some of the other 
poetical productions of Mr. Black, which have appeared in New York and New- 
ark papers, are: "\'isions of Heaven," "Eternal Joys," "God's Dwelling Place," 
"True Success," "Truest Joy," "At the Cross," "Song of Welcome to New 
Pastor," "A Sunday School Rally Song," "Christmas," "Welcome to the First 
Regiment," "The Last Muster of the Maine Crew," "Love's Fru- 
ition," "Evening," "Unfading Beauty," "To a Young Lady on the 
Eve of Marriage," "Restoration," "Thanksgiving Hymn," "Ode to the Holy 
Spirit," "Children's Hymn," "The Truest Friend," "Prayer," "The Sabbath 
Bells," "The love of Jesus," "The Realm of Thought," "The Shadow of the 
Rock," "Christmas Carol," "Life's Heroes," "Live to do Good," "One Day," 
"Not Lost," "Nature's Solace," "The Name of Jesus," and "Life's Queen." All 
of the above possess merit, but probably the best one is "At the Cross," which 
combines fine religious sentiment and great poetic beauty. It was dedicated 
by consent to the famous evangelist, the late Mr. Dwight L. Moody. Poetical 
genius of a high order also appears in "Ode to the Holy Spirit." "The Realm of 
Thought," "Nature's Solace," "and "Life's Queen." 

LIFE'S QUEEN. 

There glitters on her brow no royal diadem. 

She rules no transitory empire of a day; 
Yet earth's great ones are proud to touch her garment's hem. 

And noblest natures gladly own her gentle sway. 

Her source of power lies far beyond the narrow scope 

Of earth's horizon, in a purer atmosphere; 
Her trusting heart beats high with elevated hope — 

Her cordial smile dispenses gladness far and near. 

Possessed of genial tact by none misunderstood, 
Her willing feet on mercv's errands oft are bent; 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 351 

She ever finds her chiefest wealth in others' good^ 
In serving others, time and substance botli are spent. 

She often seeks the lonely widow's humble cot 
With needed gifts, in meek and unobtrusive way; 

Her soothing hand upon the fevered foreiiead hot 
Is cooling like a fountain on a sultry dav. 

She stretches helping hands to struggling ones who fall, 
Sad hearts rejoice beneath the greetings of her smile; 

She has a gracious look and friendly word for all, 
And scatters fruitful germs of kindness all the while. 

The little children flock around her in their play, 

And weary, run into her open arms of love; 
She's soft and patient with the aged on life's way, 

And manifests e'en here the life of heaven above. 

With babbling brooks and singing birds she loves to muse, 
A world of meaning she discovers in each flower; 

Exalted works of master minds she doth peruse. 

In holy thoughts and deeds consists her queenly power. 

Endowed with lofty intellect and gentle mind. 
She is possessed withal of warm and tender heart. 

She's noble, loving, frank, forgiving and refined — 
O queenly Soul! thou hast fulfilled the better part. 

—EDWARD S. BLACK. 

Although he has never held political office, Mr Black has always been 
a devoted Republican, ever willing to help his party in any honorable way. In 
the Garfield campaign of 1880, he organized, and was made president of the 
First Presidential \'oters' Association, and through his persevering efforts, at 
the close of the campaign, there were 1,100 members enrolled. The large Re- 
publican majority in Essex county that year was said to have been largely due 
to Mr. Black's influence and work. For three years he was Republican 
leader of the old Thirteenth Ward, and president of the Executive Committee, 
and his abilitv as an organizer was shown by the fact that during his leader- 
ship, everv nominee of the Republican party in the ward was elected. Mr, 
Black also efficiently represented the same ward on the Republican city and 
county committees. He never ran for office but once, which was in the mem- 
orable Howev campaign in 1886, when he received the nomination for Assembly 
in the Thirteenth Ward, which at that time constituted an assembly district. 
He was defeated, but ran so well as to come within 184 votes of election, while 
Mr. Howey lost the district for Governor by over 500. In 1894, Mr. Black 
was prominently mentioned for Congress, but withdrew his name before the 
delegates were elected. 

Mr. Black was recently a prominent candidate for Prosecutor of the Pleas 



352 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

of Essex county, to succeed Hon. Ehin W. Crane, and while he was not suc- 
cessful in making the position, the energy, the fairness and good judgment dis- 
played by him in the contest, and the high moral plane on which his candidacy 
was conducted, won for him the respect and confidence of all who admire 
courage in public life. The contest was the most notable one the county has 
ever known, and attracted the attention of the entire State. Major Carl Lentz, 
who for years had been an efficient Republican worker, had the support of 
nearly all the leading Republican politicians of the county and State, and at 
the time that Air. Black became a candidate, it was considered certain that the 
Major would make the position. Mr. Black and his friends, however, went 
quietly and energetically to work, and on the eighteenth of January, iSyg, a 
bombshell, that almost paralyzed Mr. Black's opponents, appeared in the Xew- 
ark papers. It was a petition signed by 133 Essex county ministers The 

fourteen cities and tow'nships of the county, anl thirteen different religious 
bodies, were represented on the petition. From this time on, Major Lentz and 
Mr. Black were regarded as the leading candidates, and the contest waged 
hotter than ever. It was universally conceded that Mr. Black had broken all 
records, in regard to petitions, and it was frequently remarked that there was 
not another man in the county who could have obtained such support. Later 
it was discovered that Mr. Black also had the support of loi members of the 
Essex cotmty bar. Mr. Black's energetic candidacy stirred up the friends and 
opponents of Major Lentz to renewed efiforts, and the contest grew so spirited 
that the Governor finally decided to appoint a new man, which he did by nomin- 
ating Chandler W. Riker, Esq., a lawyer in every way fitted for the place. 
Mr. Black accepted his defeat in a christian spirit, and when informed by a 
newspaper man, that the contest was over, and that the Governor had decided 
to appoint Air. Riker, he said: "The County of Essex is to be congratulated on 
the choice made by the Governor. Mr. Riker is an able lawyer, a thorough 
con.=cif ntious man and a friend of mine, and nothing outside of my own suc- 
cess could afiford me any higher gratification." 

The Xewark Daily Advertiser made the following editorial comment on the 
noble spirit manifested bv Air. Black in his defeat: — "True magnanimity is 
exhibited in the comment of the Hon. Edward S. Black upon the appointment 
by the Governor of Chandler W. Riker to be Prosecutor in Essex * * * 
Considering that the Hon. Edward S. Black had been a candidate, that he had 
an extraordinary list of names attached to a petition to the Governor to appoint 
him, "■ -■* the comment by the Hon. Edward S. Black reveals a magnanim- 
ity of tjiirit which is found in few men in this selfish world." Gov. A'oorhees 
also wrote a letter to Air. Black, thanking him for the considerate way in which 
he had conducted his candidacy, and the generous manner in which he had ac- 
cepted the Governor's decision. 

Air. Black is a consistent member of the Central Presbyterian church, where 
he is veryr active in the Sunday-school, and is regular in attendance at all the 
Sunday and week-day services, at the latter of which he always takes part. 
Years ago he ser\-ed for seven or eight years as superintendent of two mission 
Sunday-schools of Newark, wdiich position he filled with marked success. On 
retiring from the superintendency of these schools, he was presented by the 
officers and teachers of school with neatlv engrossed resolutions, handsomely 




'^(L j4. ^/e^^f^>^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 353 

framed, expressive of the appreciation of his services 1:)y his co-workers. These 
testimonals are highly treasured by their possessor. 

Mr. Black also takes great interest in charitable work, and has shown him- 
self a true friend of all worthy causes, taking a special interest in the Home for 
the Friendless, situated on the corner of South Orange avenue and Bergen 
street, Newark, to the Sunday School of which, he, as well as his excellent wife, 
are frequent visitors, and where they are both greatly beloved by the scholars. 

On December 14th, 1881, Mr. Black was married in the High street Presby- 
terian church, of Newark, to Evelyn T. Lambert, daughter of the late Charles 
Lambert, of Morristown, Mrs. Black is highly connected, both on her pater- 
nal and maternal sides, and has a large circle of friends, by all of whom she 
is greatly respected and beloved. She at present holds the position of superin- 
tendent of the primary department of the Central Presbyterian Sunday-school, 
in which position her services are highly appreciated. Two children have 
been born of their marriage, a daughter, who died in infancy, and a son, who is 
a promising boy of seventeen years. 



DANIEL A. HEALD, 



Youngest child of Amos and Lydia (Edwards) Heald, was born at Chester, Ver- 
mont, 'Slay 4th, 1818. He is one of the few connecting links with the Revo- 
lutionary period, having heard from the lips of his father and grandfather the 
thrilling stories of the Revolution, and he still has in his possession the sword 
carried by his grandfather as deputy sheriff of Concord. As a boy he atten- 
ded the common school, and remained on the farm until he was sixteen years 
of age. He was then prepared for college at Kimberly Union Academy, Meri- 
dan. New Hampshire, and was graduated at Yale College in 1841. During 
his senior year he read law with Judge Dugget. and afterward with Judge 
\Vashburn, whose daughter he married, and whose son, Peter T., afterward 
became Governor of Vermont. Mr. Heald was admitted to the bar of his 
native state in May, 1843. Early in life he adopted as his motto: "The temple 
of honor has no room for those who throng her portals without forcing her 
gates and leaving traces of their stay within her walls." Mr. Heald continued 
the practice of his profession from 1846 to 1854, and for a portion of the time 
he was cashier of the bank at Black River. He took an active part in politics, 
being identified with the Whig party in 1850, he was elected to the lower 
house of the Legislature of \'erniont, and in 1854, represented his district in 
the State Senate. In 1856 he practiced law for a short time in Galena. Illinois, 
during the residence of Ulysses Grant, later general and President of the United 
States. He was admitted to the bar of Galena about the same time as Rawlins, 
who afterwards became Secretars- of \\'ar. 

Soon after Mr. Heald began the practice of law in his native town, he ac- 
cepted the agency of the Aetna and other Hartford insurance comjianies; during 
the thirteen years that he remained in his native state, he acquired a marked 
reputation as a lawyer and underwriter. In 1856, the Home Insurance Com- 

23 



354 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

pany cf Xew York invited him to become their general agent in that citv. In 
April. iS68. after twelve years of faithful service as general agent, he was elceted 
Stcond \ice-president; in April. 1883. vice-president, and in 1-888 he succeeded 
Charles J. Martin (deceasedj as president. \\'hen he entered the service of 
this company its capital was five hundred thousand dollars, and its assets 
eight hundred and seventy two thousand eight hundred and twenty-three dol- 
lars; in 1890 the capital had increased to three million dollars and the assets 
to nine million dollars. ^Ir. Heald has been prominent in the Xew York 
Board of Underwritrs for many years, and the existence of the National Board 
of Fire Underwriters is due mainly to his efforts, having been established on 
account of the fierce competition for business and the extraordinarv cutting 
of rates in 1866. In September. 1880. Mr. Heald delivered an address before 
the Fire Underwriters" Association of the Northwest on "Fire Underwriting 
as a Profession," setting forth the evils that had crept into the system and the 
danger that threatened the companies in consequence. His treatment of the 
subject evinced deep thought, and the thorough knowledge which can be ac- 
quired only by long experience. 

Another speech delivered in Xew York. July. 1886. on the occasion of the 
twentieth anniversary of the organization of the National Board, is said to be 
the most masterful representation of fire-insurance history and suggestions of 
which there is any record. His address before the same board at the twenty- 
fourth annual meeting. May 8th. 1890, contained a clear and comprehensive 
statement of the condition of fire-insurance throughout the United States, 
illustrated by carefully prepared tables, showing the aggregate business done 
in the several states from i860 to 1880. and a comparison of the mode of busi- 
ress and results of American companies with those of foreign companies. As 
-in insurance expert, ^Ir. Heald has few rivals, his legal training having enabled 
him to meet and overcome difficulties that would otherwise have been insur- 
riountable. He is a rapid thinker, and a careful, painstaking and very methodi- 
cal worker. "His services to the profession of underwriting, gratuitously ren- 
derer," says an observing writer, "have justified the assertion that has been 
made, that no other fire underwriter of late years has done so much to uplift 
the profession, or advance of the real interests of fire insurance than he. 

^Ir. Heald's connection with the Oranges, and more especially with Llewel- 
lyn Park, began in 1857. two years after Llewellyn S. Haskell conceived the 
idea of utilizing this beautiful tract of mountainous' coimtry as a park, and he 
has been idenfified with its growth and the various improvements that have 
been made almost from the beginning. He is the sole survivor of the original 
projectors of this enterprise: he has been secretary of the Board of Proprietors 
since 1858, and has been largely instrumental in carrying out Mr. Haskell's plan 
of keeping it as a park for private residences. Over four miles of macadamized 
roads have been made under his immediate supervision. ^Ir. Heald was one 
of the nine original members of the Xew England Society, of Orange, and has 
been one of the most active in promoting its objects. He was twice elected 
its president, the first time receiving a larger number of votes than George B. 
McClellan. who was running against him for the office. He was one of the origi- 
nal members of the Orange A^alley Congregational church, and served six years 
as a member of the board of trustees. He has been identified with the Orange 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 355 

Memorial Hospital since its organization; was for fifteen years president of the 
advisory board, and has been treasurer of the endowment fund since it was es- 
tablished. 

Mr. Heald married, in 1843, Sarah Elizabeth Washburn, daughter of Judge 
Reuben Washburn, and a sister of Governor Peter T. Washburn, of \"ermont. 
This family is traced back in an unbroken line to Edward III. Judge Wash- 
burn was a direct descendant of John Washburn, secretary of the Massachu- 
setts Bay Colony, and was previously its secretary in England. Judge Reuben 
Washburn, the father of Mr. Heald's wife, married Hannab I'-'ainy Thatcher, 
daughter of Rev. Thomas Gushing Thatcher, who was the son of Rev Peter 
Thatcher, of Brattle street church, Boston, during the war of the Revolution. 
He was the son of (Jxenbridge Thatcher, an eminent lawyer of Boston, and 
an intimate friend of John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere and others; 
distinguished as an orator of rare ability, mentioned by Bancroft as the "silver- 
tongued orator." (,)xenbridge Thatcher was the son of Rev. Peter Thatcher, 
of Milton, who married Theodora C)xenl5ridge. a daughter of Rev. John C)xen- 
bridge, pastor of the First church in Boston, who came to Boston from the 
north of England, about 1635. Rev. Peter Thatcher was the son of Thomas 
Thatcher, son of Rev. Peter Thatcher, rector of St. Edmund's church, Salisbury, 
England, who died in 1614. Five children were the issue of the marriage of 
Mr. Heald with Miss Washburn, one of whom died in infancy. Mary Eliza, 
married A. M. Burtis, of Orange; John C)xenbridge; Charles Arthur, died at 
Yale College during his senior year, aged twenty-two: and Alice Washlnnn, 
who married Professor George L. Manning, of Stevens Institute. 



HON. ABEL I. SMITH, 



C)f Hoboken, is a worthy descendant of ancestors who figured prominently in 
the early history of New Jersey, and who from their first settlement were active 
in local affairs and in the development of their respective comnumities. In 
17^2, Abel Smith, one of his forefathers, settled on a large tract of land at Se- 
caucus, which was then included with Hoboken, in old Bergen county. This 
land formerly belonged to the celeljrated William Pinhore and was conveyed 
by deed to Abel Smith, October 24th, 1732; it has ever since been owned and 
occupied by a member of the family. Judge Smith's great-grandfather, Daniel 
Smith (son of Abel), served with honor in the Revolutionary War as a member 
of Colonel Oliver Spencer's Cavalry regiment in the Continental army, an or- 
ganization noted for its efficiency and liravery. The judge's grandfather was 
Jo!m Smith, whose son Abel I. Smith, Sr., was a private in the War of 1812 
and held many positions of trust and honor in Ijoth Bergen and Hudson coun- 
ties. He was one of the most prominent and Isest known citizens of the county 
until his death in 1865. and was one of the first persons honored by Robert 
Stevens with a pass for life over the Hoboken ferry. The original (jass. in the 
handwriting of Mr. Stevens, is now in the possession of tlie faniilw and reads: 
".•\bel I. Smith and his wife, if he gets one." 

Judge Smith, son of Abel I., Sr., was l)orn in Secaucus, Hudson county. 



556 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW TERSEY. 



New Jersey, on June 12th, 1843. and received his early education in the public 
schools of his native place. He was for eight years under the tutorship of Rev. 
William \'. \'. Mabon, later a professor in the Xew Brunswick Theological 
Seminary, and in 1862. was graduated from Rutgers College. After graduating 
he commenced the study of law in the office of J. Dickerson Miller, of Jersey 
Cit\', where he remained four years. He was admitted to the bar of Xew Jer- 
sey as an attorney in June. 1866. and as a counselor in June. 1873. ^nd in the for- 




HOX. ABEL I. SMITH. 



mer vear began active practice in the Town of Union. Hudson county. In 
1868 he opened an office in Hoboken. where he has ever since followed his 
profession, havirg since 1883. John S. Mabon. a son of his early tutor, as a 
partner. 

As a Republican. Judge Smith has always taken an active interest in poli- 
tics, and for many years has been one of the leaders of that party in his native 
county. In i86q he was elected to the Legislature from the then eighth assem- 
bly district of Hrdson coimty. comprising North Bergen. \\'est Hoboken. Wee- 
hawken. and the township of Union, being the first Republican chosen from that 
district, and tlie cnly Republican member from the county in the Legislature of 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 357 

1870. At the close of his term he refused to stand for re-election, although he 
was reasonably sure of winning. In 1888, he was appionted judge of the 
district court of Hoboken, under Governor Green's administration, and filled 
that otifice with dignity and credit until 1 89 1. Of the many cases decided by 
him, few were taken to the higher courts for review, and all but two of these 
were affirmed 

Judge Smith's more than a quarter of a century's connection with Hobo- 
ken. and his life-long residence in Hudson county, make the welfare and pros- 
perity of these comnumities of great interest to him. He is one of the ablest 
members of the Hudson county bar, and being devoted to his profession has 
justly obtained a wide reputation as a lawyer and jurist. He has confined his 
practice almost entirely to civil suits in the Court of Chancery and the Circuit, 
Supreme, and Orphans' Courts and in the Court of Errors and Appeals. In 
1894 he was admitted to the bar of the United States Circuit and District 
Courts of New Jersey. He was counsel for the county of Hudson in the im- 
portant matter of the crossing of the new county road by the Lehigh Valley 
Railroad Company, and also for three of the most prominent improvements 
in Hudson county, namely, the "Bull's Ferry Road," the "Bergen Line Road" 
and the "Bergen Wood Road." For ten years he was counsel for the township 
of North Bergen in Hudson count\ ; for the last three years counsel for th6 
Jersey City, Hoboken and Rutherford Electric Railway Company; and for 
three years president of the Hudson county branch of the State Charities Aid 
Association, and a member of the Committee on Laws of the State As- 
sociation. 

At his home. Judge Smith has a large and valuable collection of continen- 
tal money, and many rare old coins, a number of which liave been in the pos- 
session of his family since its settlement in America. His collection includes 
many gold pieces of various countries, dating from 1632 to 1800, and a number 
of continental coins which were recently exhumed at or near the site of the 
old family homestead at Secaucus. He also has a large and valuable library, 
one book especially noteworthy. This is an old family bible containing the 
date of the birth of Mary Bailey, one of his ancestors, in St. Philip's Parish, 
Bristol, England, in 1653. 

Judge Smith was married December 7th, 1870, to Aliss Laura Howell, 
daughter of Martin A. Howell, a leading citizen of New Brunswick, New Jer- 
sey, and well known throughout the State, being a director in many large cor- 
porations, such as the New Jersey Railroad and Transportation Company, the 
Camden and Amboy Railroad Company. 



JOHN J. TOFFEY 



Is the son of the late George A. and Mary D. Tofifey. He was born at Paw- 
ling, Dutchess county. New York, June ist, 1844. His i)arents removed to 
Hudson City in 1854. and his family has Iseen prominent in business, social 
and political circles ever since. He was graduated at the New York City Col- 
lege, and at the age of eighteen he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-first New 



358 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Jersey \'okinteers. He served in this regiment during the nine months for 
which it was enHsted, and participated in all the engagements in which it took 
part. After being mustered out of the service he was commissioned as first 
lieutenant of Company G, Thirty-third Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, and 
while serving this regiment was severely wounded at the battle of Missionary 
Ridge, Tennessee, November 23d, 1863. The wound disabled him for further 
service in the field. He was commissioned by President Lincoln as a lieu- 
tenant in the V'eteran Reserve Corps, and performed duty in and around Wash- 
ington until June, 1866, when he w-as honorably discharged from the service. 
On his return to civil life, he engaged in the live stock and beef business with 
his father and brothers, and took charge of exporting dressed beef to Europe, 
his firm being the first to engage in that business. 

In 1874 he was elected a tnember of the Jersey City Board of Aldermen and 
served two years. In 1875, ^^ ^^'^^ elected a member of assembly from the 
fifth Hudson district, and was re-elected in 1876. In 1878 he was elected 
SherifT of Hudson county by a majority of ,4.000, although the normal Demo- 
cratic majority was 5,000. In 1885, he was elected State Treasurer of New Jer- 
sey and served six years, having been re-elected in 1888. In 1891 he was 
succeeded by Hon. George R. Gray, the Legislature of that year being Demo- 
cratic in both houses. On March 9th, 1891, the following resolution was 
imanimously adopted in both houses: 

"Whereas, the retiring State Treasurer, Hon. John J. TofTey, has dis- 
charged the duties of his office in a manner honorable to himself and greatly 
to the benefit and advantage of the State, 

"Resolved (the House of Assembly concurring), That we hereby express our 
recognition and appreciation of the services of our retiring treasurer, and con- 
gratulate him upon the excellent record he has made for himself and the State." 

In 1893 he was elected Sheriff of Hudson county by a majority of over 
6,000. In 1867 he organized Company D, Fourth Regiment New Jersey Rifle 
Corps, which subsequently became a part of the Fourth Regiment, National 
Guard. He was elected Major of the new regiment, and promoted to lieuten- 
ant-colonel. He resigned in 1876. 

In 1870 he was married to Miss Mary E. Sip, granddaughter of Colonel 
Garret Sip, and great-granddaughter of Peter Sip, one of Hudson county's first 
judges. They have had four sons, three of whom survive. He is a mem- 
ber of Van Houten Post, G. A. R., and Pennsylvania Commandery of the 
Military Order of the Loyal Legion. He is a Past Master of Bergen Lodge, 
F. and A. M.; a member of Mount Vernon Chapter, R. A. M.: Hugh dePayens 
Commandery, K. T., and the New Jersey Consistor of Scotish Rite. He is 
a member of the Union League, Palma, Carteret and Jersey City Clubs. 

File No. 408829. 

War Department. 

Office of the Secretary. 

Washington, D. C. .\ugust 17, 1897. 

Sir: — You are herebv notified that bv direction of the President, and under 





^:2^'^^:^^:i2s^^^ 



ITew Jersey SstoricQl Si^lishmg Co 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 359 

the Act of Congress, approved March 3, 1863, providing for the presentation of 
medals of honor to such officers, — non-commissioned officers and privates as 
most distinguished themselves in action, a Congressional ?iledal of Honor has 
this day been presented to you for Most Distinguished Gallantr\ In Action, the 
following being a statement of the particular service, viz: 

"At Chattanooga, Tennessee, November 23, 1863, this officer, then First 
Lieutenant of the Thirty-third New Jersey \'olunteers, having been ordered 
to be excused from duty on account of sickness, refused to absent himself, went 
to the front in command of the advance storming party, and with conspicuous 
gallantry participated in the assault of Missionary Ridge. This officer was 
here wounded and permanently disabled for active duty." 

This medal will be forwarded to you by registered mail, as soon as it shall 
have been engraved. 

Verv respectfullv, 

R. A.' ALGER, 

Secretarj- of War. 

Lieut. John J. Tofifey, 

Jersey City, N. J. 

Mr. Tofifey is the second of his family to receive the thanks of Congress, 
his brother, Daniel Tofifey, having been on the Monitor when she fought the 
Merrimac, for which conspicuous conduct he received the thanks of Admiral 
John L. Worden, who was then commander of the Monitor, and is an uncle of 
Mr. Tofifey. 

John J. Tofifey, Jr., is Second Lieutenant, Regular Army, i6th L^. S. In- 
fantry. In July, 1898, he was appointed by President McKinley, and has been 
ordered to Manila. 



HENRY W. MERRIAM. 

Evervwhere in our land are found men who have worked their own way 
from humble and lowly beginnings to places of leadership in the conunerce, the 
great productive industries, and the management of the veins and arteries of the 
traffic and exchanges of the country. That the plenitude of safety is seldom 
attained in the afifairs of life is to be considered as a most grateful and beneficial 
deprivation, for where ambition is satisfied and every ultimate aim realized, if 
such is possible, there must follow individual apathy. Efifort will cease, ac- 
complishment be prostrate and creative talent waste its energies in surplus in- 
activitv. The men who have pushed forward the wheels of progress are those 
to whom satietv lay ever in the future, and they have labored continuously 
and have not failed to find in each transition stage an incentive for further effort. 
This truth is aptly illustrated in the life of Mr. ^Merriam, who has by his well- 
directed effort and laudable ambition worked his way steadily ujnvard. He 
stands as the leader of the manufacturing interests of Sussex county, and in 
Newton he is numbered among those prominent citizens whom to know is to 
esteem and honor. 



36o BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

The life record of Mr. Alerriam, therefore, cannot fail to prove of general 
interest. He was born on the 20th of June, 1828, and is the son of Elisha J. 
and Lucy R. (Lane) Merriain, of Merriam Hill, Mason, New Hampshire. The 
foundation of his education was laid in the common schools of North Brook- 
field and Worcester, Massachusetts, and his studies were completed in Appleton 
Academy, New Ipswich, New Hampshire. When he was sixteen years of age 
his parents removed to Plymouth, Massachusetts, while he went to Worcester, 
same state, where he resided until attaining his majority, when he located in 
New York City. He started upon his business career with little capital, but 
quick to note and utilize an opportunity he was soon on the upward road to 
prosperity, and his advancement has been steady and rapid. For a decade, 
from 1851 until 1861, he was engaged in the boot and shoe jobbing business in 
New York City, being associated with J. T. Patton and John J. Lane. This 
enterprise was attended with success, but owing to conditions brought about 
by the war the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Merriam soon afterward commenced 
tlie manufacture of shoes for the army, selling this product in large quantities to 
the government throughout the period of the struggle between the North and 
th"^ South. 

After the close of the war Air. Merriam discontinued the manufacture of 
men'.s shoes, changing the product of his factory to ladies', misses' and children's 
shoes exclusively, for some time producing annually more than half a million 
pairs, which were distributed b}- jobbers in New York and other large cities. 
His business had grown to such large proportions and had became so successful, 
that in 1873 he was prompted to move his plant to Newton, where he eould be 
relieved of some of the oppressive conditions exacted by labor organizations. 
Up to that time there had been no manufacturing concerns of magnitude in 
Newton, but when Air. Merriani's factory, which was fully equipped with ma- 
chinery of the most approved kind, came into operation, it opened up a new era, 
not only for Newton, but for the whole of Sussex county, and to-day the Mer- 
riam Shoe Factory is not only a matter of pride to the citizens, but is also an 
active promoter of the general prosperity, furnishing employi^ent to a large 
force of workmen and thus enabling them to maintain homes of their own. That 
Mr. Merriam is ever just to his employes and considerate to their interests, in 
shown by the fact that no trouble has ever occurred in the factory in the nature 
of a strike or other serious disturbance, and he enjoys the highest esteem and 
confidence of the operatives. His kindness and generosity to them is many 
times manifested. An instance of this is noted in 1892. on his sixty-fourth 
birthday, when he distributed a thousand dollars among them as a testi- 
monial of his appreciation of their faithful performance of duty. Since that 
time he has made two other distril^utions to his employees, one of sixty-five hun- 
dred dollars, the other of two thousand dollars. 

Mr. Alerriam is a man of resourceful business ability, and his efforts have 
by no means been confined to one line of enterprise. His sound judgment 
and executive ability make him a valued acquisition to the executive force of 
any concern, for he carries forward to successful completion whatever he un- 
dertakes. He is treasurer of the H. W. Alerriam Shoe Company Building & 
Loan Association: president and treasurer of the H. W, Alerriam Shoe Com- 
pany, and a director and one of the Executive Committee of the Alerchants" Na- 




CAPT. AMBROSE M. MATTHEWS. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 361 

tional Bank, of which he was also made vice-president in June, 1898. He was 
executor of the estate of his brother, Samuel L. Merriam, and guardian for his 
children. He was also appointed exectitor of the estate of his mother, and of 
the estate of Mrs. John J. Lane, and guardian of her children. His integrity 
in all business affairs is above question, and every trust reposed in him is faith- 
fully performed. 

On the i6th of June. 1859, Air. Alerriam was united in marriage to Miss 
Frances P. Gulliver, daughter of George F. and Mary (Bush) Culliver, of North 
Brookfield, Massachusetts, who traced her ancestry back to Lord Howe. Her 
death occurred on the i6th of December, 1897. Mr. Merriam is a member 
of the Presbyterian church and has been a very generous contribtitor to its 
support. He donated ten thousand dollars toward the remodelling of the 
house of worship, and was largely instrumental in securing the erection of the 
elegant Presbyterian chapel. He was also chairman of the Board of Trus- 
tees of the church for a number of years, and has ever been active in advancing 
the cause of Christianity and upright living among his fellow men. The cause 
of education has also found in him a warm friend, and he has done much toward 
promoting the interest of the public schools, not only in Newton, but also in the 
surrounding country. His hand is ever ready to follow the promptings of his 
generous heart, and his charity purse is large, though his giving is ever of the 
most unostentatious character. His home is a palatial one, occupying an emi- 
nence in the midst of extensive grounds and commanding a beautiful view of 
Newton and the surrounding country. A magnificent conservatory and all 
the arts of the landscape gardener add to the beauty and attractiveness of the 
scene and the place is numbered among the most charming homes of New 
Jersey. Air. Alerriam is a man of fine personal appearance, courteous in man- 
ner, affable and genial in disposition, and at all times his deportment bespeaks 
the character of the true gentleman. 



CAPTAIN AMBROSE MEEKER MATTHEWS. 

The great Civil War that swept over our land like a mighty cyclone, carry- 
ing death and destruction in its course, and bringing sorrow and desolation into 
thousands of homes, was not without its blessings. It established on a firmer 
basis the great principles of civil and religious liberty, for which our forefathers 
fought and died. It developed in their descendants those strong personal 
traits — that intense love of liberty, unselfish patriotism, and individual heroism, 
without which life would not be worth living. It aroused the dormant ener- 
gies of the individual, and afforded him the opportunity for the development of 
hereditary traits, of which he was apparently unconscious. Without this op- 
portunity General Grant would still have been living in Galena, with no higher 
aspirations than to become its Alayor. that he might imi^rove the condition of 
its streets. 

The development of the hereditary traits of Captain Alatthews, for which 
his ancestors, who were among the founders as well as the defenders of the Re- 
public, were conspicuous, is due in a great measure to the events connected 



362 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

with the Civil War. The discipUne incident to army hfe, the personal courage, 
self-reliance and unselhsh devotion to the catise he espoused, were among the 
personal traits developed that led subsequently to his successful business career 
and inspired confidence in his fellow citizens, who were not unmindful of the 
debt of gratitude they owed him for his faithful service to his country in her hour 
of need. On Saturday, the 13th of April, 1861, the first gun was fired which 
proclaimed to the world the secession of the Southern from the Northern states, 
and the obliteration of nine stars from the flag of the Union. On Sunday 
thereafter a Proclamation of President Lincoln summoned the militia of the Re- 
public to the number of seventy-five thousand to assemble and execute its in- 
sulted laws. 

In response thereto Ambrose ^I. Matthews, on the 10th of May following, 
entered the ranks of the L'nion Army as a private, rose to the rank of captain, 
and served continuously from the first important battle of the war to the sur- 
render of the entire Confederate Army under Lee and Johnson. The im- 
portant service he rendered included the campaigns and battles of the Army 
of the Potomac from First Bull Run to October, 1863; the campaign of Gen- 
eral Grant, which held fast to Tennessee, and in four great battles completely de- 
feated the rebel Generals Bragg and Longstreet; the campaign which, from 
Chattanooga to Atlanta, after many battles, all of which were victorious, cap- 
tured Atlanta; Sherman's campaign from Atlanta to the Sea. and capture of 
Savannah, Georgia; the campaign through the Carolinas, which virtually cap- 
tured Charleston, South Carolina; the final campaign of General Sherman, 
which, after Lee's surrender, compelled the surrender of General Johnson and 
all armed foes of the Federal Government. 

Captain Matthews had the honor to belong to the First New Jersey Bri- 
gade, which was the First Brigade of the First Division, First Corps of the 
Army of the Potomac, for fifteen months, and it was commanded by General 
Phil Kearney; in the Richmond campaign of McClellan it became the First 
Brigade, First Division of the Sixth Corps, and so continued until the close of 
the war. He also had the honor to belong to a brigade composed of the Sec- 
ond Massachusetts, Third \\'isconsin. Twenty-seventh Indiana, Thirteenth New 
Jersey, One Hundred and Seventh and One Hundred and Fiftieth New York, 
First Division, Twelfth Corps, and commanded successively by Generals George 
H. Gordon, Thomas H. Ruger, Silas Colgrove and others. It is a matter of 
record that these two brigades had no superior in the great armies to which they 
belonged. The commands named served in the historic Army of the Potomac 
until after the battle of Gettysburg, and then the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps 
consolidated with the Twentieth Corps and joined the Army of the Cumber- 
land, and formed a part of the great army of General Sherman, comprising 
the Army of the Tennessee and the Army of the Ohio, and afterwards, as the 
Army of Georgia and of Tennessee, marched through Georgia and the Caro- 
linas, and finally, by way of Richmond, over the battlefields of Mrginia to the 
National Capitol at Washington. 

It is a noteworthy fact that Captain Matthews was one of the few officers 
who, at the close of the war. declined to make application for a brevet in excess 
of the commission he held, the reasons for which are apparent. \\'hile in active 
service a brevet rank is an honor justly appreciated by those who have won dis- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 363 

tinction on the battle field. At the close of the war, however, it became an 
empty honor, and could be had for the asking, and, although it was conferred 
on many deserving ones for "gallant and meritorious service," it is well known 
that many worthy officers declined to ask for that which they knew they were 
justly entitled. If others deserved it they knew that they were equally de- 
serving, hence they never received it except when granted by act of Congress, 
in recognition of distinguished service rather than as a matter of favor or in- 
fluence. Such officers resent only the implied superior claim of the brevets to 
a distinction greater than their own, while, as a fact, they take issue with and 
ever maintain that it is imjust to the great majority. Among those who, with 
Matthews, held to this view was Captain E. D. Pierson, of Orange, a noble and 
gallant officer, "who never knew a day that was not a day of faithful perform- 
ance of duty," and he, too, for the reasons above named, declined to apply for 
a brevet. 

A retrospective view of the events connected with Captain Matthew's mili- 
tary career, shows "what might have been." When President Lincoln called 
for one hundred thousand volunteers to serve for three years, a company was 
organized in Orange in the course of a few days, which it was expected would 
be attached to either the First, Second or Third Regiments of the First New 
Jersey Brigade, but as each regiment had received its full quota, this company 
was not accepted. It was commanded by Captain Owen Murphy, a generous 
hearted Irishman, who had seen several years service as captain of the Colurh- 
bia O'Brien Rifles, a local military company, and had maintained its organiza- 
tion until it was accepted in July, 1861, as one of the companies of the Seventy- 
first New York Regiment, Excelsior Brigade, raised by Daniel E. Sickles, 
commanding the Third Corps of the Army of the Potomac. In this company 
young Matthews was offered the position of First Lieutenant. He modestly 
declined the honor, however, for, as he said, "having had no military training 
he might make a poor private, but he could not hope to be a good officer." The 
offer was several times renewed, up to the month of May, 1862, but invariably 
declined for the reason stated. Every regiment connected with the Excelsior, 
Brigade made a brilliant record, and none more so than the Seventy-first. 
What might have been the record of Private Matthews had he been influenced 
by motives of personal ambition, instead of modestly refusing because of his 
unfitness for the position, it is difficult to conjecture. It simply shows the 
spirit of unselfish, devoted patriotism which animated the young men who 
filled the ranks of the armies of the Potomac, the Cumberland, and of the Ten- 
nessee — steadfast, faithfully, undaunted, never discouraged, and never acknowl- 
edging defeat, and which, at last, forced the armies of Lee into the last ditch of 
Appomattox, and compelled the surrender of Johnson in Xorth Carolina, where 
Captain Matthews was then serving with the army of General Sherman. 

A service of four years in the army, always at the front, and a participant 
in most of the great battles, furnishes many incidents of a personal nature, 
which would be interesting to note, but which the limited space in a work of 
this character forbids. A single incident, however, ser\'es to illustrate the 
character of the men who composed our armies — men who counted no sacrifice 
too great that they might preserve and transmit to their posterity the liberties 
for which their ancestors had fought and bled. At the battle of Antietam 



364 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

young Matthews, then Second Lieutenant of Company E. carried his sword 
as an officer: he also carried a musket, with the use of which he was more 
famihar. The regiment was sent to patch up the lines, and was soon driven 
in disorder from the field. \\'ith four others, young Matthews, followed closely 
by the enemy, bore oiif a wounded comrade from the field while under fire, 
and reaching a battery limbering up to leave, asked them to stay and deliver 
their fire at the advancing troops of the enemy, which they did and repulsed 
them. Afterwards, at the Dunkard Church, where the battle line was again 
broken. Captain Matthews saved the colors of his regiment from being cap- 
tured by forcing the brave Sergeant, who bore them, to leave the field, when, 
as he believed, all had retreated and, almost surrounded, he rapidly moved ofif 
to the left, and leaving the woods came in front of a rebel battalion, who were 
marching to take the broken lines in flank, and thus effect their capture. As 
Captain Matthews came in front of the attacking force of the enemy, he 
dropped on one knee, took deliberate aim at the color bearer and fired, raising 
the dust just in front, and left just as quickly as possible. The act was witnessed 
by Sebastian Duncan, afterwards First Lieutenant, who, in describing the in- 
cident, stated that he "saw Captain Matthews at Antietam bidding defiance to 
the whole Confederate host." 

Captain IMatthews was born in Orange, New Jersey, September 21, 1836. 
His ancestors on both sides were not only among the founders of Orange, but 
were defenders of their country in the War of the Revolution. William ]^Iat- 
thews, his great-grandfather, was in Captain Cornelius Williamson's Company, 
Second Regiment, Essex; discharged September 13th, 1777: wounds received 
at Second River, from which he died. Simeon Harrison, the great-great- 
grandfather of Captain Matthews, on his father's side, was a descendant of 
Richard Harrison, and the immediate ancestor of the late Caleb Harrison, and 
his son Simeon Harrison, known to many of the generation now comprising 
our oldest inhabitants. Captain Matthew's mother. Elima Meeker, (still liv- 
ing, 1899), is the daughter of Abraham P. Sleeker, whose father. Thomas, served 
in the French and Indian War. with \\'olfe. at the battle of Quebec, and in the 
War of the Revolution from the beginning to its close. The Meekers came 
orginally from Connecticut and settled in the Passaic Valley. 

Captain Matthews was educated at the schools of Alonzo Brackett and 
Rev. Peter Stocking, of his native town, and was afterwards employed in his 
father's hat factory, one of the manufactories for which the City of C)range is 
famous. At the age of eighteen he became a member of the firm of John H. 
Matthews & Co.. and continued until the breaking out of the war. when his in- 
terests and business connections were kept up by the firm until his return from 
the war. He then resumed his active connection with John H. Matthews, his 
father, in the hat business. The following year he started in the coal business 
with James and Charles Gardiner, under the name of Gardiner & Matthews. 
He subsequently bought out his partners' interests, and has since carried it 
on in connection with other business affairs. He has been identified with 
various business organizations for many years past. He assisted in organizing 
the Second National Bank of Orange, in 1892. and became its president, and 
bas been president of the Orange Board of Trade and other organizations. 

In public and business affairs of Orange. Captain Matthews is one of the 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 365, 

leaders in and promoters of all great enterprises. Of other military organiza- 
tions, he is prominently identitied with the Society of the Sixth and Twelfth 
Army Corps, the Kearney Brigade Association, the Society of the Arm\' of 
the Potomac, the Society of the Army of the Cumberland, etc. He is also a 
member of the New York Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal 
Legion of the L'nited States, of the Society of the Sons of the American 
Revolution, Corinthian Lodge, F. & A. j\l.. New England Societ\- of Orange, 
Essex County Riding Club, etc. 

The photograph from which the accompanying engraving of Captain Mat- 
thews was made, was taken at Washington, D. C., in 1861, and considering 
Captain Matthews' important military services is deemed the most historic and 
appropriate likeness of him that could appear in our pages. 



HON. CHARLES ARTHUR REED, 

State Senator, of Plainfield, and one of the leading members of the bar of both 
Somerset and Union counties, is a son of Hugh B. and Annie E. (Thompson) 
Reed, and was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, December 4, 1857. In 1866 the 
family removed to New Jersey, settling first in Newark and subsequentl}' on a 
(arm in the County of Somerset. Mr. Reed received his preparatory education 
at a grammar school in New Brunswick and completed his studies at Rutgers 
College in the class of 1878, but did not graduate. He read law with Judge 
John D. Bartine, of Somerville, and at Columbia Law School, and was admit- 
ted to the bar of this State as an attorney in June, 1882, and to the bar of 
Lu.'ierne county, Pennsylvania, as attorney and counselor in 1883. He then 
tried and passed the civil service examination with a view to acquiring prac- 
tical experience in patent law, but instead, in January, 1884, accepted a po- 
sition in the war department at Washington, District of Columbia. In July fol- 
lowing he resigned and was appointed special examiner of pensions in the 
Department of the Interior, in which capacity he served one year. 

In 1885 Mr. Reed began the active practice of law as a partner of Hon. 
Alvah A. Clark, of Somerville, and very soon won a reputation as an able ad- 
vocate This partnership was dissolved in the fall of 1887, and since then he 
has successfully practiced his profession in Plainfield, residing in the borough 
ov North Plainfield, which he has served as corporation counsel for the past 
ten years. He was admitted to the New Jersey bar as counselor in Febru- 
ary, 1888, and in the fall of 1894, formed with William A. Coddington, the 
present firm of Reed & Coddington. Though one of the younger members 
of the Union county bar, Mr. Reed has for several years been one of its recog- 
nized leaders. He has had a large general practice in all the courts of the 
State, and among the manv noteworthy cases with which he has been con- 
nected ?s counsel may be mentioned the celebrated Job Male will case, the 
Hyde vs. French trial, the Sarah M. Lattimer will case, and the case of Har- 
per er al. vs. Mountain Water Company. He has also been for some time an 
active and prominent Republican, and in 1890, received his party's nomina- 
tion for .State Senator. In 181J3, he was elected to the New Jersey Assem- 



366 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

bly and served with great credit during the session of 1896, being chairman 
of the committees on Boroughs and Borough Commissions and on Incidental 
Expenses. The latter committee distinguished itself by keeping the inciden- 
tal expense account lower than ever before or since in the history of the 
State. In November, 1896, he was elected State Senator from Somerset coun- 
ty for the term of three years and during the session of 1897. was chairman 
of tlie Senate Committee on Boroughs and Borough Commissions, which re- 
vised the borough laws of the State, and was president of the Senate during 
tlic session of 1899. 

In all these capacities Senator Reed has borne a conspicuous part, espous- 
ing the cause of right and justice, and winning the approbation of all 
classes of citizens, irrespective of party. .\t home he is universally esteemed 
as an enterprising, public-spirited and progressive citizen, and is president 
of the Park Club, the leading social organization of North Plainfield. 

Air. Reed was married on the 4th of October, 1887, to Aliss Katherine L. 
(Jlaik, daughter of his former law partner, Kon. xA.lvah .\. Clark, of Somerville. 



LEBBEUS BALDWIN MILLER 

Was born in Union township, L'nion countv. New Jersey, August 2d, 1833. 
Air. Miller is a descendant of Andrew Miller, one of the first settlers of that 
portion of Morris county, New Jersey, which is now the borough of Madison. 
He is a son of the late Josiah Miller, a native of Madison, and Hannah \\'ard, 
uauj^hter of Silas Ward of Union county, and is a grandson of Joseph Miller, 
also of Aladison, who served in the New Jersey Continental Line, during the 
Revolutionary War. He received a good English education in the private 
school of Air. James G. Nuttman in Elizabeth. New Jersey, and at the age 
of sixteen, was apprenticed in the establishment of Alessrs. E. & S. D. ( lould, 
of Newark, New Jersey, builders of light machinery. In the acquisition of 
ihis trade he exhibited so much aptness that Ijefore the expiration of his ap- 
prenticeship he was placed in charge of the shop as foreman. In 1861. he 
accepted employment with the Alanhattan Firearms Company of Newark, and 
in i.jie latter part of the same year was made superintendent of their branch 
shops on Bridge street, Newark. In this position he remained tmtil January, 
1863, when he was engaged by Alessrs. I. AI. Singer & Company to design and 
supervise the construction and use of special automatic tools for the production 
of interchangeable parts for "Singer" sewing machines. \\'hile introducing 
this system, he was made by the Singer Alanufacturing Company (successors 
to I. M. Singer & Company) assistant superintendent, and. January ist, 1869, 
was appointed general superintendent of the Singer Works in New York 
(since removed to Elizabeth, New Jersey) and still holds this position. In 
1883, Air. Aliller was elected a member of the American Society of Alechani- 
cal Engineers, and from 1893 to 1896 was one of its managers. Air. Miller 
has resided during all his life within twenty miles of his native place in Union 
township, and, since 1870, has been a resident of the City of Elizabeth. While 
never prominent in public positions, he has Cjuietly rendered such services to 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



367 



the community as could be expected from a good citizen. He is an elder in the 
First Presbyterian church of Elizabeth; a director in the First National Bank; 
a manager in the Union County Savings Bank; a trustee of the Evergreen 
Cemeteryof Elizabeth; and has been president of the Elizabeth General Hos- 
pital and Dispensary since its organization in iiSjij, with the exceiitiou of the 
years 1890, 1891 and 1892. 

Mr. Miller was married ^la}- 7th, 1857, to Martha Frances Cowlishaw of 
English parentage, who died November 13th, 1884. To them were born David 




LEBBEUS B. MILLER. 



Magie, Arabella Halsey, Henry Jaques, Anna Good, and Herbert Stanley. 
David Magie Miller, a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons 
of New York, was a practicing physician of Elizabeth. He was married 
September 17th, 1890 to Julia H. Carmichael, of Elizalieth, and died Decem- 
ber 3d, 1895. Henrv Jaques Miller, a graduate of Stevens Institute of Tech- 
nology, of Hoboken. New Jersey, is a mechanical engineer and solicitor of 
patents, and is at present engaged in the Patent Department of the Singer 
Manufacturing Company, at the Elizabeth works. He was married April 
23d, 1890, to Hannah N. Freeland of Ncvv Rochelle, New York. Herbert 



368 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Stanley Miller, a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in the 
Electrical Course, is secretary of the Diehl Manufacturing Company, whose 
works are located at Elizaljeth, New Jersev, and is one of its electrical engi- 



JOHN F. KEHOE, 



The gentleman whose portrait accompanies this article is a well known and 
highly respected citizen of Newark, New Jersey. He was born in what is 
known as the Montgomery district of Belleville, Essex county, ami is the son 
of Peter Kehoe who came from Ireland and whose occupation was that of 
copper refiner. He died in 1867. His wife, whose maiden name was Eliza- 
beth Dovle, is still living. 

Young Kehoe attended the conmion schools until the age of seventeen 
years, when he left to take a position as clerk in a store. His association with 
the well known firm of Lister's Agricultural Chemical Company dates from 
1867, when he entered their employ as messenger boy, and from that humble 
beginning he has risen to be at this time, general manager and director of the 
company. This long association with a concern that has assumed such 
gigantic proportions in their line, bespeaks for Mr. Kehoe a life of close ap- 
plication to details concerning business and faithfulness of purpose that can 
only be exhibited b}' one whose honesty, sagacity and intelligence is beyond 
question. 

Mr. Kehoe is also director in the .American Agricultural Chemical Com- 
pany, the Liebig Manufacturing Company, North Jersey Railway Company. 
United Electric Company, and People's Light and Power Company. 



CHARLES E. BREEDEN. 



The name borne by the subject of this review is one which, though not at 
the present time largely represented in a numerical way, has been long and 
honorably identified with the annals of American history. The original Ameri- 
can progenitor, as determined by practically well authenticated records, was 
Thomas Breeden, who evidently became a resident of New England in the 
early colonial epoch. In Palfrey's History of New England, specific refer- 
ence is made to one Captain Thomas Breeden, of whom it is recorded that he, 
about the year 1650. bore back to England information in regard to certain 
regicides whom he had seen in Boston. In various other historic records, 
reference is made to persons of that name. Savage speaks of Thomas Bree- 
den, Deputy Governor of Nova Scotia, under Sir Thomas Temple, in the time 
of Cromwell; also James Breeden, who married, in 1657, Hannah, the 
daughter of Joseph Ruck, or Rock, Esq., of Boston. In the New England 
Genealogical and Historical Register mention is made of John Burgess, or 
Burge, who, in his will, mentions his grandchildren, Thomas. John and Eliza- 




JOHN F. KEHOe 




/i3 . 0. /ll^^^^^cZ^^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 369 

beth Breeden. From such information as was available, one of the latter-day 
representatives of the family has deduced the following data, which is suffici- 
ently exact: Captain Thomas Breeden, born about 1614, in England, by depu- 
tation, of Nova Scotia: married, about 1635, Elizabeth Roberts, in England. 
He became a merchant in Boston prior to 1657. His son, James, born about 
1636, married Hannah Ruck, or Rock, as above noted, and also became a 
merchant in Boston. Tracing back the genealogy, the English branches have 
been a people of no little distinction, and within later years there were Breedens, 
or Breedons, of Bere Court, Berkshire, England. Captain Thomas and 
James are the only ones mentioned as having come to America. 

Charles Edwin Breeden, the immediate subject of this review, is a retired 
merchant of the national metropolis, and now maintains his home in that 
beautiful suburban district, Glen Ridge, Essex county, New Jersey, being 
recognized as one of the representative and public-spirited citizens of the 
place. A native of the City of Boston, Massachusetts, he was born on the 
i6th of June, 1842. being the son of Abner H. and Deborah (French) Breeden. 
His paternal grandfather, Abner Breeden, resided in Winchester, Massachu- 
setts, and devoted his attention to farming. The father of our subject was a 
prominent business man of Boston, and held a position of distinctive preced- 
ence in the commercial world. He became a prominent merchant in New 
York City, where he dealt extensively in rubber boots, as well as general lines 
of boots and shoes. He was a man of unswerving integrity, and his business 
career stood in evidence of the sterling principles by which his whole life was 
dominated. At his death, which occurred when Charles E. was but ten years 
of age, Abner H. Breeden left a handsome estate. Deborah (French) Breeden, 
mother of our subject, was born in the old Bay State, being the daughter of 
E. French, who rendered active service in the Continental army during the 
War of the Revolution. She was reared and educated in Massachusetts, and 
her death occurred in Winchester, IMassachusetts. 

Charles E. Breeden was accorded excellent educational advantages in his 
youth, his discipline in the line having been principally secured in the Russell 
School, at New Haven, Connecticut, in which institution he continued his 
studies during an interval of five years, after which he took a special course of 
study in the French language, under the direction of a private tutor. His busi- 
ness career had its initiation when he became a clerk in the establishment of his 
uncle, William H. Breeden, of the firm of Breeden & Southwick, dealers in 
rubber boots and shoes, in New York. 

Thoroughly loyal and patriotic by inheritance and by personal conviction, 
Mr. Breeden was ready to render service to his country when it was menaced 
by armed rebellion. At the outbreak of the late war he was a member of 
Company D, Seventh Regiment, New York, and when the first call was made 
for seventy-five thousand men, went with his regiment into the service, the 
regiment being ordered to Washington, D. C, in defense of the capital. 
After the expiration of his term of service, Mr. Breeden returned to New 
York and again entered the employ of his uncle, the late William H. Breeden, 
who had succeeded to the business established by the father of our subject. He 
retired from his New York commercial associations about 1871, since which 
24 



370 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

time he has devoted his time and attention principally to his realty and finan- 
cial interests. He owns a considerable amount of valuable property in Glen 
Ridge, having a number of fine houses which he rents, while his own home is 
one of the most attractive in this section, notable for its beautiful resident 
places. Air. Breeden is a prominent member of the Congregational church, 
of which he is a trustee, according to its specific and collateral work a liberal 
support. 

In the year 1870, was solemized the marriage of Mr. Breeden to Miss 
Mary E. Hall, a daughter of Harrison Hall, a prominent New York merchant, 
and president of the Atlantic Savings Bank of that city. Of this union three 
children have been born: Ora, wife of Arthur S. Roberts, of Montclair, New^ 
Jersey, and Emilie and William Harrison, who still remain at the parental 
home. 



ALBERT FREY, M. D., 



Was born in Newark, New Jersey, on the 24th of June, 1863, and is the son 
of Albert and Josephine (Kipp) Frey, the former of whom was a native of 
Carlsruhe, Baden, Germany, where he was born in 1818. He was a merchant 
in the old country, and was one of the loyal citizens during the Revolution in 
1848. The family is of royal Ijirth, the great-grandfather being one of the 
founders of Carlsruhe. The father of our subject came to the United States 
in 1849, locating in New York, where he accepted a position with the well 
known firm of Lord & Taylor, with which he remained until 185 1, when he 
removed to Newark and became associated with Edward Balbach & Son, in 
their gold and silver smelting and refining works (now the Balbach Smelting 
and Refining Company) and there continued until his death, in 1873. The 
success of the above firm was largely due to the energy and ability of Mr. 
Frey. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity in Newark Lodge, num- 
ber seven, and a devout adherent of the Lutheran church. His wife was also 
a native of Carlsruhe and survived him until September 4th, i8c>o. They 
\yere the parents of the following five children: Josephine, now the wife of 
Francis B. Chcdsey, of New York City: Louise, who married Martin Rilke, 
of Germany; Ida, the widow of C. W. Sundmacher, of Germany; Katie, the 
widow of W. H. Erb, of Newark; and our subject. 

Dr. Frey received his early education in a private German school on 
Green street, at which he was graduated in 1873. and then went to Germany 
and attended the gymnasium of Carlsruhe, a scientific college, where he 
pursued his studies for the following three years, at the end of \yhich time he 
went to Muenchen-GIadbach, and there entered the gymnasium, graduating 
at the same in 1880. Returning to America he entered Phillips Academy, 
at Andover, Massachusetts, at which he was graduated in 1881, and in that 
year entered Yale College, but finished only the course of the freshman class. 
In 1882 he attended both the College of Pharmacy and the College of Physi- 
cians and Surgeons of New York City, pursuing his studies at the latter insti- 
tution until 1884, when he once more visited Germany and entered the L'ni- 




ALBERT FREY. M D. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 371 

versity of Bonn, remaining there about a year. Upon his return to this country 
in 1885, he became associated with Professor Wilham H. Porter, of the Post- 
Graduate Aledical School in New York City, taking charge of the pathologi- 
cal laboratory and assisting the professor in conducting post-mortem examin- 
ations in the city department of Bellevue Hospital, and at the same time he 
attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at which he was graduated 
in 1888. He remained a year longer with Professor Porter, adding to his 
technical knowledge by assuming charge of one of the first bacteriological 
laboratories in New York. 

In 1889,. Dr. Frey located in Newark, New Jersey, and there entered upon 
the active practice of his profession, gaining the distinction of being the first 
physician in New Jersey to use antito.xin for the cure of diphtheria, and he has 
given much of his attention to the diseases of children. He is also greatly 
interested in surgery and devotes a large portion of his time to developing his 
knowledge in that important branch of medicine. The doctor is a member 
of the National, State and Essex District Medical Societies, and was secretary 
of the defunct Newark Medical Association. He is affiliated with the Masonic 
fraternity, his membership being in Newark Lodge, No. 7, F. & A. M., Union 
Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M., and Kane Council No. 3, R. & S. M. In his re- 
ligious faith he is a Lutheran, and a member of the Society of Chosen Friends, 
and he is a member of the German Liederkranz of New York, the Arion and 
German singing societies of Newark, the Order of the Red Cross, and the 
Knights and Ladies of the Golden Star. He also holds the responsible position 
of medical examiner for the Washington Life Insurance Company of New Jer- 
sey and is Commissioner of Public Schools of the Sixth Ward in Newark. 

The marriage of Dr. Frey was solemnized on the loth of December, 1884, 
when he was united to Miss Louise Jung, a native of Germany, and the fol- 
lowing three children were born to them: Irmengard Elfriede Josephine, who 
died of scarlet fever at the age of three years and seven months; Ottmar 
Wedekind Rudolph, and Millie. The doctor's domestic associations are of the 
most pleasant nature, and he and his good wife enjoy the esteem and warm re- 
gard of a large circle of friends. 



BENJAMIN T. KISSAM, 



Born in Beekman street, New York City, February, 17th, 1819, is descended 
from English antecedents. His ancestors settled originally on the North 
shore of Long Island in 1644, establishing a family name that became promin- 
ent in colonial life, and that has held an important place in business and pro- 
fessional life in subsequent times. His father, Joseph Kissam, was born in 
Huntington, Long Island, and was one of the firm of Tredwell, Kissam & 
Company, dealers in hardware. 

Benjamin T. Kissam, designed for the law. attended first a preparatory 
school at Nazareth, Pennsylvania, subsequently at Oxford Academy, New 
York State, was graduated in 1838 from Columbia College. New York, and in 
July 1841, was admitted to the New York bar. He has there maintained a 



372 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

successful practice. In October, 1876, he removed to Bergen Point, New Jer- 
sey, but continued to practice law in New York. 

In middle life Mr. Kissman married Florence, daughter of Dr James 
B. and Henrietta Coleman, of Trenton, New Jersey, by whom he has two sons, 
Coleman E. and Bayard T. The former. Coleman E , is a resident of West 
Orange, New Jersey, and connected with the law firm of Lord, Dav & Lord, 
New York City. Mrs. Coleman was a sister of Chief Justice Beaslev. 



ALBRIDOE C. SMITH. 



Among the sons of Sussex count)- who have attained distinction in pro- 
fessional circles in the metropolis of America is Albridge C. Smith, counselor 
at law, of New York, residing at Orange, New Jersey. He was born in 
Andover, New Jersey, on the 9th of January, 1850, and traces his ancestry 
back to England, whence members of the family, in colonial days, came to the 
New World. The great-grandfather, Peter Smith, w-as born in Readington, 
Hunterdon county, New Jersey, and during the \\'ar of the Revolution valiantly 
aided in the struggle for independence, his bravery and meritorious conduct 
on the field of battle winning him promotion to the rank of first lieutenant. 
Various representatives of the family have been prominent in public life and 
have averted a wide influence in matters of ])ublic moment. The grand- 
father of our subject, Isaac B, Smith was a well known lawyer, whose ability 
gained him prominence at the bar. He was born in Warren county, and 
tl'.roughout his life resided in that locality. 

Jehiel T. Smith, father of our subject, was born in Alarksboro,, Warren 
county, and in 1847, ^t the age of twenty years, came to Sussex county, locating 
in Andover, where he embarked in business as a wheelwright. Subsequently 
he established a drug store, the first one in the town, and conducted operations 
along that line for some years, after which he sold out and engaged in general 
merchandising, conducting his store until 1880, when he sold his stock and 
removed to Newark, where he lived retired until his death. He was quite 
successful in his business ventures, and his thorough reliability gained him 
the confidence and high regard of all with whom he came in contact. For 
many years he was an elder in the Presbyterian church and one of its most 
faithful members. He also held membership with the Masonic fraternity of 
Newton, with which lodge his family has been connected for a hundred years, 
his father having served as secretary of the same. As a citizen he was public- 
spirited and loyal, giving a zealous support to many measures for the public 
good and contributing materially to the growth, upbuilding and development 
of Andover. He died in 1887. The maiden name of the mother of our sub- 
j ct was Catherine Stine, and she was a native of \\'arren countv. and died in 
1858. 

Fortunate is the man who has back of him an ancestry honorable and 
distinguished, and happy is he whose lines of life are cast in harmony there- 
with. In person, in character and in talents, Mr. Smith is a worthy scion 
of his race, and bv his successful career has added new lustre to the family 




^^..^^^g^u.;^^ o A^ 




— <_-'-^S-zi^^ 




c 



-v. / 




BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 373 

record. In the common schools he acquired his preliminary education, and 
in the Newton Collegiate Institute prepared for college with the intention of 
entering Princeton, but afterward abandoned that plan. He took up the study 
of law in the ofifice and under the direction of John Linn, formerly of Newton, 
but at that time a member of the bar of New York City, finishing his clerkship 
with J. H. Neighbour, of Dover, and after thorough preparation he was ad- 
mitted to the bar of New Jersey in June, 1871. He practiced in Dover, New 
Jersey, for some years as a member of the firm of Neighbour & Smith, which 
was one of the oldest law firms of the state, and in 1884, he v\'as admitted to 
the New York bar and removed to the metropolis, where he has since remained. 
In October of that year he organized the firm of Smith & White, which con- 
tinued until May I St, 1898, and at the same time he maintained his relationship 
with the old firm in Dover until April, 1886. May 1st, 1899, the firm of Prayer, 
Smith, ^\'hite & Leaman was organized. 

Air. Smith was connected with much of the most important litigation in 
the courts of Morris county, including the trial of several murder cases, and his 
ability in the handling of evidence, his force in argument, and his comprehen- 
sive knowledge of law won him splendid success. He now devotes his ener- 
gies more exclusively to civil practice, and is attorney for some very large 
corporations. He is well versed in the various branches of jurisprudence and 
throws himself easily and naturally into the argument. There is no straining 
after effect, but a precision and clearness in his statement, an acuteness and 
strength in his logic which bespeaks a mind well trained in the severest school 
of investigation, and to which the closest reasoning is habitual and easy. 

On the 27th of October, 1875, Air. Smith was united in marriage to Miss 
Florence AI., daughter of Judge Freeman W'ood, of Dover, a very prominent 
citizen and ]iolitical leader of Alorris county. They have three children: Ray- 
mond W., who is now a senior in Princeton College: Alice C, and A. C. Jr. 
The parents are active members in the Presbyterian church, and Air. Smith has 
served as elder in the Third Presbyterian church of Newark, also of the churches 
of his denomination in Dover and East C)range, during his residence in those 
places. He was also City Clerk and a member of the Common Council of 
Dover and yet maintains a deep interest in the welfare, upbuilding and advance- 
ment of Sussex county. He is a member of the Washington Headquarters 
Association, of Alorristown, of the Wednesday Club, of Newark, and the Colonial 
Club, of New York, and is very prominent and popular in social, professional 
and club circles. 



CAMILLUS GEORGE KIDDER, 

Youngest child of Camillus and Sarah Thompson (Herrick) Kidder, was born 
in Bahimore, Alaryland, July 6th, 1850. He prepared for college at Philips' 
Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire, and graduated from Harvard College 
in the class of 1872. He was a good scholar, and took high rank in his 
class. After graduation he taught private pupils for about a year, and read law. 
In the autumn of 1873, he entered the Harvard Law School, where he received 



374 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

the degree of LL B., cum laude. He then became managing clerk in the law 
office of Eniott, Burnett and Hammond, New York City, and subsequently 
junior partner of the firm. In 1879, the firm name was changed to Emott, 
Hammond and Kidder. Upon the death of his late senior partner, James 
Einott, he started in the practice of law upon his own account. In 1891, he 
formed a copartnership with John S. Alelcher, under the firm name of Kidder 
and Melcher, and this firm now enjoys a successful practice. Air. Kidder 
has been a resident of Orange since 1882, and has made many warm friends. 
Public-spirited and progressive, he has not only advocated, but has been active 
in promoting public improvements and in various movements for civil reform. 
He has served as a member of the Board of School Commissioners for Orange, 
where his advice and counsel were deemed useful. He is a working member 
of .A.11 Saints' Episcopal church and has been a member of its vestry. He has 
served the New England Society of Orange, as secretary and in other capaci- 
ties. He was one of the original stockholders of the Orange Athletic Club 
and is a member of the South Orange Field Club. He organized the Essex 
County Electric Company, since absorbed by the Newark Electric Light and 
Power Company, and was for many years a director and the counsel of the 
former corporation. He is a member of various literary and other societies 
in New York and elsewhere, among which are the New England Societv, of 
New York, New York Historical and Genealogical Society, New York Reform 
Club, Harvard, Church and L^niversity Clubs, of New York, Phi Beta Kappa 
Alumni Association, New York Civil Service Reform Association, Philips' 
Exeter Academy Association, and the Bunker Hill Association, of Boston, 
Massachusetts. Mr. Kidder married, December 3d, 1881, Matilda Cushman 
Faber, daughter of Gustavus William and Angelica Cushman Faber, of New 
York. Their children are Jerome Faber, Lois Faber and George Herrick 
Faber. 



J. HENRY BACHELLER, 



A member of the Newark Board of Aldermen, representing the Ninth Ward, 
and also Assemblyman from Essex county, is one of the enterprising and 
thorough-going young business men in the City of Newark. 

J. Henry Bachellor was born in Newark, New Jersey. February ist, 1869, 
and is the son of John C. Bacheller, also a native of Newark, and by occupation 
a manufacturer. Joseph Newhall Bacheller, the grandfather of our subject, 
was of Massachusetts birth, and a descendant of the Rev. Stephen Bacheller, 
a noted divine of the old Bay State. The Bacheller family is one that was 
for a number of generations identified with New England, and the "family tree" 
includes the names of many men who have figured prominently in their day, 
among whom may be mentioned John G. Whittier and Daniel Webster. The 
mother of Mr. J. Henry Bacheller was before her marriage Miss Hattie A. Par- 
cells. She is a native of Newark and a daughter of Henry A. Parcells, one 
of the old settlers of this city and of Huguenot descent: and the Parcells 
family, like the Bachellers, are related to numerous and influential people, 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 375 

among their relatives being the Lyons family, of Lyons Farm, and the Cranes, 
of Newark. Mrs. Bacheller is a niece of the late George D. G. Moore, who 
was for two terms surrogate of Essex county. 

The subject of our sketch was reared and educated in his native city, and 
after completing his studies in the Newark high schools entered the employ of 
the New York Life Insurance Company, with which he was connected for six 
years. Following that, he turned his attention to the real estate business and he 
is now engaged in looking after large property interests belonging to an estate. 

Mr. Bacheller's popularity as an enterprising citizen of his native town was 
evident in 1897, by his election to its Board of Aldermen to represent the 
Ninth Ward; re-elected to the Board of Aldermen for another term in 1897; 
is the Republican leader in the Board and on Finance, Public Building, Poor 
and Alms and Legislative Committees; president of Garfield Club, and on the 
Board of Governors of Newark Athletic Club; elected as a member of the 
General Assembly from Essex county on November 7th, 1899, by the next to 
the highest vote on the Republican ticket. 

April 30th, 1895, Mr. Bacheller wedded Miss Edith Smith, of Newark, 
daughter of the late Israel P. Smith, of Newark. They have two children, 
Muriel and Adele. 



ABRAHAM C. B. HAVENS, 

Born in Burrsville, Ocean county. New Jersey, March 28th, 1841, is the 
second son and fourth child of Abraham Osborn Havens, born at present 
Osbornville, Ocean county. New Jersey, December i8th, 1801, died October 
i6th, 1854, and Ann Davison born in Hopeville, Monmouth county, New 
Jersey April 28th, 1803, died April 24th, 1882. His early Dutch progenitor 
was William Havens, who settled at Portsmouth, Rhode Island, in 1639, and 
whose descendants migrated first to Long Island, thence to Alonmouth county. 
New Jersey about 1760, and soon after John, his great-grandfather, settled at 
Kettle Creek, (now Osbornville) Ocean county, where he left a will dated 1778, 
devising legacies to his sons Moses and Jesse, soldiers of the Revolution, "if 
they ever return to claim it." A maternal grandfather of his father, Abram 
Osborn, was a lieutenant of the Revolution and long a colonel in the old New 
Jersey Militia. His ancestors on his mother's side date back for several gener- 
ations and include relatives of General James Cox, of Revolutionary fame, and 
of Hon. Samuel S. Cox, prominent as a Alember of Congress from New York 
State. 

Mr. Havens' father was both farmer and country merchant, and from 1835, 
to the time of his death in 1854, a Baptist minister. He held many impor- 
tant civic trusts, was school trustee, township olerk, commissioner of deeds, 
and in 1854 Member of the State .\ssembly. For many years he was lieuten- 
ant and captain of the New Jersey Militia. He helped to build two Baptist 
churches, 1825 and 1835, and in his will devised a lot and five hundred dollars 
for another which was erected in 1856-7. 

Mr. Havens received but meagre educational opportunities, and those at 



376 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

common school, being compelled to assume charge of his mother's farm upon 
his father's death in his fourteenth year. Remaining on the farm until i860, 
for eight years thereafter he engaged with his brother in mercantile business. 
In the meantime, by private study and self culture he has sought to make up 
for the deficiencies of his early educational opportunities, and with such suc- 
cess that from 1864, he became a prominent factor in promoting the educational 
interests of his native town and county. From 1868 to 1888, he was engaged 
chiefly in the profession of teaching. In 1872, he received a "first grade" 
teacher's certificate, and he has always been an earnest supporter of high grade 
public schools. 

Air. Havens' official life has been continuous since 1864. From 1864 
to 1886, he was school trustee and district clerk of Burrsville, New Jersey; 
from 1866 to 1871, township clerk of Brick township; from 1872 to 1889, he 
was a member of the Ocean county Board of Teachers' Examiners; in 1875 
and 1876, he was calender clerk of the New Jersey State Senate; from 1875 to 
1879, he was collector of taxes of Brick township. In 1880, he was elected 
State Senator from Ocean county, serving for three years; and from 1884 to 
1887, served as a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Ocean county. 
During 1888, he served as engrossing clerk of the State Senate. He also was 
the same year elected county clerk of Ocean county by a majority of 440. In 
1893, he had no opposition for the ofSce, and in 1898 his majority for the same 
oiifice was 1414. From 1880 to 1896, he was Ocean cotmty member of the 
Second District Republican Congressional Committee. In 1894, he was 
elected a member of the Dover township Board of Education, his term will ex- 
pire in 1 90 1. 

Mr. Havens is member and vice-president of the board of directors of the 
Dover Mutual Loan and Building Association, and a member and secretary 
of the board of directors of the Toms River Water Company. 

In religious persuasion, Mr. Havens is a 'thorough-going Baptist, as have 
been his ancestors both paternal and maternal, for many generations back. 
Largely through his efiforts and contributions a handsome new Baptist church 
was erected at Toms River, New Jersey, his present place of residence, in 1894, 
of the board of trustees of which Mr. Havens is now a member and the secre- 
tary, having transferred his membership from the Orient Baptist church of 
Burrsville, into the fellowship of which he was baptized in 1865. 

In 1864, Mr. Havens married .\iigusta Mills, daughter of Benjamin Hance 
Fielder, of Monmouth county. They have seven children: Charles Sumner, 
a graduate of Princeton, and professor of classics and German in the New 
York Military Academy; Henry Clay, Princeton '92 and professor of Greek 
and French at Lawrenceville, New Jersey; Will Burtis, a law student; Benja- 
min Fielder, a searcher in the United States District Court, Trenton, New 
Jersey; John G. W., a student at Wesleyan University; Edgar Herbert, a 
student at Princeton, and Mabel Eliza. 



^^^H .'m.K^ 


' 


^^K 

^^^^^^^. ^ 




^^Hrl ^^^ 






^ 


^^HK^^^^^^?^' ^^^^^HPji 


H 


HiM^ 


1 



HON. JAMES S. ERWIN 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 377 

HON. JAMES S. ERWIN. 

Among the members of the New Jersey bar who have won success, honor 
and distinction, is James S. Erwin, Prosecutor of the Pleas of Hudson county. 
Mr. Erwin is a native of Jersey City, where he was born on September 5th, 
1857, the son of Alatthew and Caroline Erwin. He attended public schools 
Nos. I and 3 of Jersey City, then took a scientific course at Cooper Union, 
New York City, and finished his education under private tutors. He studied 
law in the office of Washington B. Williams, in Jersey City, and was admitted 
to the bar as an attorney in February 1881, and as counselor three years later. 
Since his admission he has been in active practice, and has rnet with uniform 
success. 

In December, 1893, Air. Erwin was appointed Corporation Attorney of 
Jersey City by the Board of Finance, succeeding Spencer Weart in that office. 
At the same time William Brinkerhoff was appointed Corporation Counsel in 
place of William D. Edwards. Mayor Wanser, however, disapproved of these 
appointments and a bill was passed by the subsequent Legislature which ended 
the terms of Messrs. Erwin and Brinkerhofif. The Mayor thereupon re-ap- 
pointed Mr. Weart in place of Mr. Erwin, and Judge John A. Blair, in place 
of 'Sir. Brinkerhoff. The appointment of Mr. Erwin. was subsequently de- 
clared legal Ijy the court and he obtained judgment against the city for the 
salary during the time he performed the duties of the office. In April, i8g6, 
Mr. Erwin was appointed Judge of the Second District Court of Jersey City 
to succeed the late Robert B. Seymour, and w^as holding that position at the 
time of his appointment by Governor Griggs as Prosecutor of the Pleas in 
January, 1898, and he received a second appointment at the hands of Gover- 
nor \'oorhees upon the resignation of Charles H. Winfield. 

The fact that Judge Erwin had two first class competitors for the office 
of Prosecutor, speaks much for his selection and reflects credit not only upon 
his preceptor, W. B. \\'illiams, Esq., so well and so favorably known by all, 
but upon his own conduct and industry since he was admitted to the bar. The 
Jersey City "Evening Journal" in its issue of January 12th, 1898, had the fol- 
lowing editorial under the title of "The Nominations": 

"The nominations submitted to the Senate yesterday by Governor Griggs 
are all satisfactory. For this county the main interest centered in the Prose- 
cutor, and three names were suggested. Either would have been satisfactory, 
because of the reputation of the men and their standing at the bar. The man 
chosen by the Governor is James S. Erwin, now Judge of the Second District 
Court of this city. .Mr. Erwin was born in this city and has lived his life 
here in view of everybody. It has been a life of hard work and continued ad- 
vancement without a blot. Judge Erwin has had a legal experience dating 
from student days in the office of W. B. Williams, and admission to the bar 
seventeen years ago, and he will be a hard worker in the new position to which 
he has been called. His past record is a guarantee that the days of corruption 
in the Prosecutor's office will cease." 

In the same issue of the "Journal." and somewhat reminiscently under 
the title of "The New Prosecutor," the following appeared: 

"Those who have known and watched the career of Judge, now Prosecutor, 



378 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

James S. Erwin. from his boyhood, and who know how creditable that career 
has been to him, will most heartily congratulate him on securing one of the 
most coveted prizes of the legal profession. From the day the scared boy 
fled from a vengeful pressman in the old 'Journal' office, then on Green street, 
whose countenance he had accidentally decorated with an ink roller, a circum- 
stance which possibly made a prosperous lawyer instead of a newspaper. man, 
as poor as the rest of the profession, his course has been rewarded with the 
success and growth in public esteem, which industry and integrity, merit and 
are sure to command. Overcoming, as he has done, by hard work and steady 
perseverance, the obstacle placed in his path by narrow circumstances, and a 
deficient schooling, the success which James S. Erwin has achieved, should be 
an inspiration and encouragement to every poor but ambitious youth. Xo 
one would more positively disclaim any talent, except for hard work, than 
Prosecutor Erwin, and we confidently anticipate for him the same success in 
his new and responsible position which he has achieved in the past." 

Mr. Erwin has always been a Republican, and in 1890 was elected to the 
Assembly. He has been prominent in reform measures, and in 1890 he 
figured conspicuously in the discussion and measures which resulted in the "Bal- 
lot Reform Law," of that session. During the State campaign he took an ac- 
tive part in supporting Governor Griggs and Governor \oorhees. It was 
owing to J\Ir. Erwin's efforts as counsel for the citizens in the removal pro- 
ceeding before Mayor Wanser that the conduct of the old Street and Water 
Board was thoroughly exposed. Mr. Erwin also took a prominent part in the 
political movement which resulted in the election of Mayor Wanser, president 
of the Board of Aldermen, Reuben Simpson, and of John J .TofTey as Sheriff of 
Hudson county. 

During the years of 1894 and 1895, Jwdge Erwin edited the "Criminal Law 
Magazine and Reporter," published by F. D. Linn & Co., of Jersey City. He 
also served a term as president of the Bar Association of Hudson county. He 
was one of the commission of three, the other two members being Hon. William 
I. Lewis, of Paterson, and Hon. Edward S. Atwater, of Elizabeth, selected by 
Governor Griggs to codify the laws relating to the District Courts, and with 
Hon. J. Frank Fort, of Xewark, and Hon. Frederick C. Marsh, of Elizabeth, 
Mr. Erwin composed the commission selected by the same Governor to codify 
the laws relating to Crimes and Criminal Procedure. The work of these com- 
missions was subsequently adopted in the revision of the laws of 1898 

Judge Erwin is a member of the Union League Club, the Minkakwa Club 
and other social organizations, also a member of Bay \'iew Lodge. Xo. 146, F. 
& A. M. He was married, in 1882. to Miss Martha Robinson, daughter of 
Col. G. P. Robinson. }tlrs. Erwin is a helpmate to her husband in the true 
sense of the term, and is always solicitous of her husband's progress, in which 
she has been a great aid in social and intellectual endeavor. In private life 
Judge Erwin is most genial, thoroughly enjoying the society of his family and 
friends, and in spare moments indulges in general reading of the best literature. 

The success which has come to Judge Erwin in life has been won by close 
application to his profession and by industry and integrity. That he deserves 
this success is cheerfully attested by his brother members of the bar, all of 
whom hold him in the highest esteem. As a lawver he has won his wav 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 379 

from the bottom, building his reputation slowly but surely until at the preesnt 
he stands among the foremost attorneys of a bar noted for its bril- 
liant and successful members. As an ofificial he has a record for 
courage, integrity, ability and fairness. His incumbency of the office of Prose- 
cutor has been marked by uniform success, and has given universal satisfaction 
to both the public and the bench and bar. While he has been active and firm in 
the prosecution of criminals, yet he has been impartial and discriminating, and 
has endeavored to mete out only justice. 



CARROL PHILLIPS BASSETT, 

Son of Caroline Phillips and Allen Lee Bassett, was born February 27, 1863, 
at Brooklyn, New York. He was graduated from the Newark Academy, and 
in 1879 entered Lafayette College, from which institution he was graduated 
as valedictorian in 1883, with the degree of C. E. He pursued post-graduate 
study, receiving the degree of E. ]\I. in 1884, and after study in Europe, his 
alma mater conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, in 1888. 
He is a member of the Phi Delta Theta College Fraternity, and has been active 
in its executive work, having filled various offices of its general coimcil, in- 
cluding the presidency in 1887-9. ^'^ i* a member of Phi Beta Kappa; a 
life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a member of the Phil- 
adelphia Engineers' Club, and of the New England Water Works Association. 

In social life he is a member of the Essex County Country Club, Essex 
Club. Highland Club, the Baltus Roll Golf Club, the Lakewood Golf Club and 
the University Club of New York City. 

In the exercise of his profession as civil engineer he has designed and con- 
structed water works, sewerage systems and sewage purification plants in many 
towns in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. 
He was president of the New Jersey Sanitary Association, 1892-3, and is the 
author of "The Conservation of Streams," "Inland Sewage Disposal," and other 
technical papers. He is a regular lecturer on hydraulics and sanitation at the 
Liniversity of New York and at Lafayette College, and is retained as consulting 
engineer by several water companies 

He is largely interested in and director of the following corporations: The 
Mountain Water Company, the Clinton Water Company, the West Orange 
Water Company, the Essex-Union Water and Light Company, and Lakewood 
Water, Light and Power Company: also the State Mutual Building & Loan 
Association and the First National Bank of Summit. Mr. Bassett resides at 
"Norcote," Summit. New Jersey. 



FRANCIS MORGAN McDONOUQH, 

Recorder of Hoboken. and widely known as a police official and magistrate, 
is a native of New York City. Few men's lives have been more varied in 



38o 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



experience than Recorder McDonough's, and few have, at the same time, been 
mere active and useful. 

The Httle autobiography written out by the Recorder is so concise and 
well worded that it is given in full, and better narrates his adventuresome ca- 
reer than paraphrasing therefrom could possibly do: 

I was born in New York, August 9th, 1824. My father was James Mc- 
Donough, of County Sligo, Ireland, and my mother was Besse Lane i\Ic- 
Donough, of Rosscommon. They had seven children, named as follows: 




KR.A.NCIS M. M UONOUGII. 



Patrick H., John F., Marie, Michael H., Bessie L., James, Francis Morgan. 
My famih' moved to Hoboken in 1822 — lived in Hoboken in summer and in 
New York in winter; father and mother died when I was three years old. In 
the year of my birth the family moved to New York earlier than usual. Hav- 
ing moved back to Hoboken in the spring of 1823. we continued to live there 
for many years. I went to pay school, there being no public schools estab- 
lished in this place until about 1847 or 8; therefore, I had no public school 
education. At the age of eleven or twelve I left home to make my own living. 
I went to New York and commenced to sell the "Sun" paper. While on 
West street one day a man approached me and asked me how I would like to go 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 381 

with him on a schooner as cook. I knew nothing about cooking, but would 
Hke to go; he said the crew would teach me. and so they did in a few days. In 
a few weeks I was complete. I was to get five dollars a month; was well 
pleased and captain and crew liked me. It was the schooner "Express," 
Captain Parker, of New London. 

I was with him several months until mother found me out. for I left home 
on "French leave." She took me home and got all my wages; that broke my 
heart. I was dissatisfied at home; went to school for awhile, when I ran away 
again and shipped as cabin boy on the brig "Kentucky" of New York. Captain 
Willis, of Baltimore, in command. Went on a voyage to Cadiz. Spain, thence 
to Gibralter, Milo, Malta, thence to Smyrna, and returned to New York. A 
brother found me, took me from the vessel to Trenton, New Jersey, where I 
went to school to John Skinner for two quarters. He left and went to De- 
troit as orderly for Captain O'Brien, whom he served with in the Florida war. 
Captain O'Brien was afterwards in the Mexican war and commanded the cele- 
brated C)'Brien battery with much distinction. I left Trenton in the winter, 
walking from there to New Brunswick, and from there to New York by boat 
of the Camden and Amboy Transportation Company. I then shipped as 
cook on the schooner "Daniel Webster," Captain Ben. Lawrence: subsequently 
on the "Joshua R. Sands." Captain E. Wainwright; "Philip DePeyster." Cap- 
tain Rilley Parker; "Kate Baker." Captain John Collins. In 1840 I took a trip 
"out West." in Cortland county. New York state, as a farmer's boy with John 
WlTite. I left him and went on a farm with John Emerson, a farmer and drover 
in the same county; was with him about a year, when I came back to New 
York and went coasting again Ijetween here and X'irginia and North Carolina. 
Subsequently went ferrying at Hoboken as deck hand and fireman. At the 
age of nineteen, by command of Commodore John A. Stevens. I was promoted 
to captain temporarily. In the fall of 1844 I shipped on th'e packet "Diadem," 
Captain Berry, for New Orleans, worked there along shore loading cotton for 
a while and then shipped on the United States Revenue Cutter "\\"oodberry," 
Captain, or as he was known as "Bully Foster." After serving my time, one 
year less two months, I went steamboating on the Mississippi River. On the 
breaking out of the Mexican War. with many other young men of my age, 
about twenty-two, I enlisted in three months volunteers. Company F. Captain 
John Sewell, under command of Alajor General Zach. Taylor, who was so well 
beloved by his soldiers that it was no wonder he whipped the "greasers" five to 
one. We had reached Carmago; our time, three months, having expired, we 
were sent back to New Orleans. I re-enlisted then and there was under the 
command of Captain Grav. At Carmago I and several others were taken sick 
and sent back. I was not in any battle — but several skirmishes — while on 
the outer picket lines After returning to New Orleans I lay sick for about 
two months hovering between life and death with Mexican fever. Finallv re- 
covered and went back to work driving dray and then returned home and went 
to work on the Hoboken ferry; was deck hand and was again promoted to cap- 
tain, and continued as such for several years. I then concluded I could make 
a good living ashore and bought horse, cart and wagon, and did the carting of 
coal and lumber for Tompkins & Brush. 

In 185 1 I shipped as fireman in the favorite old coastwise steamer "Cres- 



382 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

cent City," running from New York to New Orleans, Havana, Kingston and 
Shagress, near Greytown, Central America. I made two round voyages, which 
completed mv seafaring education as an able seaman above and below decks. 
In '52 and '3, I was elected constable in Hoboken, and continued as such for 
several years. In 1855 I was appointed by the City Coimcil Captain of Police, 
which I held until 1861. On the call for seventy-five thousand volunteers I 
recruited a company, but not being in commission at that time, could not get 
my papers as captain from Governor Olden and threw it up. The government 
having taken two of our ferryboats — the "Hoboken" and '"Chancellor Livings- 
ton," I was selected to go with Captain Havens as mate in January, 1862. We 
went to Fortress Monroe, where we were selected to run a cable from there 
to Cherrystone to connect with Washington While engaged in it we were 
caught in a gale and cast away on Cape Henry. Lost everything but our 
lives. I came home and was elected constable that spring in the Second Ward 
on the "People's Independent ticket." Along in the summer Captain W. W. 
Shippen, then superintendent of the ferry and estate of the Stevens brothers, 
sent me to \'irginia with a crew of my own selection to take command of the 
"Chancellor Livingston," which I did at Harrison's Landing; and as a wel- 
come, it was the night the fleet was fired upon and the second fight at Malvern 
Hill. I continued in command of her until the government got through with 
her; then I brought her home and delivered the boat to the Hoboken Ferry 
Company, when I was mustered out of service. A short stay at home when 
I went to .\lexandria, \'irginia, at the request of Major John J. Hoff, formerly 
of He.xamers" famous battery, in command of the Soldiers' Rest. I was by him 
selected as superintendent, at which post I remained until the close of the war, 
after which I remained in the Commissary Department at that place for about 
two years. I then engaged with Colonel John Fitz, of Newton, New Jersey, 
and Ca]3tain John W. Bradford, in the timber business, which did not prove 
a success. I then purchased a small stern-wheel steamer of about one hundred 
tons burden. I traded, or rather freighted with her on the Potomac, James and 
Elizabeth Rivers, also on the Delaware River, finally returning to New Y'ork. 
Freights dull and running behind pa\ing engineer and hands, I was about 
bankrupt. I went to Ale.xandria. X'irginia, for the mortgagor, gave him the 
boat and lost my investment and became dead broke. I then went to work 
for the New Jersey Ice Company, of which W. W. Shipman was president, 
and subsequently I returned to the Hoboken Ferry Company as night watch- 
man and night superintendent at the ferry. 

In 1874, Fred Klennen, formerly secretary of the Hoboken Bank for Sav- 
ings, absconded with about $140,000. He had gone to England, as I found 
out after some months of search and inquiry. From my knowledge of him 
and his habits I was selected by the Board of Police Commissioners and W. 
W. Shippen to go to London and hunt him up. I spent about two months in 
London and its surroundings, and finally located him at Dover, England, where 
he was stopping. There I captured him as he was about to land from the 
steamer just in from Calais. France. I took him to London, where he was com- 
mitted by Sir Robert Henry, Court of Queens Bench, Bow street. Then I 
got extradition papers and brought him safely back with bonds, money and 
notes to the amount of about $6,000. He was subsequently tried and con- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 383, 

victed and sentenced to ten years in State prison, which he served in full. In 
1876 my friends without my solicitation placed me in the canvass for recorder, 
and have stuck to me ever since. How much I deserved the honor I must 
leave to those who have generously given me their support for so manv vears, 
and if I have succeeded in doing my duty and pleasing my friends, that is all 
the honor that one so humble as myself will require. 

The foregoing is but a brief recital of bare facts. It is but additional fact 
to add that Recorder AIcDonough has filled the position with conspicuous 
ability and tact; his varied police experiences and his knowledge of the world 
and men, equipping him for efficiency in his position. Few police magistrates 
have a wiser or more comprehensive way of dealing with offenders, the older 
and more famous criminals being known to him for many a long year. It may 
be added that reference to the Recorder's war spirit, as shown in his raising 
a company, occurs in the following taken from an editorial: "The War Com- 
menced," which appeared in the "Hoboken Standard" of April 20, 1861: "We 
hear of two volunteer companies being organized, one under the superinten- 
dence of Air. Francis M. McDonough, our present Chief of Police. From 
our knowledge of the gentleman we are confident that he has the courage and 
ability to command. * * * \ number have already signed their names 
to the roll." 

It should be added that the Recorder omitted mention in the memoran- 
dum of his exploits as a life saver, while engaged with the ferry company. In- 
cidental reference to the subject in conversation led the writer to request a 
statement of the facts, which Air. McDonough gave from memory as follows:, 
"In 1847, ^t the foot of Hammond street. New York, I was with Captain Sil- 
lick on the old "Pioneer" as pilot, running in summer from Elysian Fields to 
Nineteenth street, to Hammond street, then Christopher street. .\ boy fell 
over the string piece at Hammond street; I dove for him and brought him up. 
I next saved a team which drove off the bridge at Hoboken late at night. I 
backed the boat, jumped overboard and cut them out of the harness, and 
swung them around to "Atlantic Garden," where they walked ashore. The 
next was a boy about fourteen, who fell overboard from the bridge at Christo- 
pher street. I was captain at the time and backed the boat and jumped over- 
board and saved him. One dav at Hoboken, while I was Captain of Police, 
the safety chain of the old fashioned bridge broke and let quite a crowd into the 
water. I took off my uniform and jumped in and brought out five. I also 
saved two men in 1849, while captain in the Canal street slip, they fell ofif the 
boat, as there were no gviards in those days and people would get under the bar 
and sometimes be crowded off." 

Recorder McDonough is the oldest resident of Hoboken now living, 
except Mr. Frank Stevens, son of the late James A. Stevens, who is eightv-five 
years of age, and "Uncle Peter," the faithful and worthy colored servant of the 
Stevens family, of whom tradition saith, "he's nigh to a hundred." Recorder 
McDonough is a member of the Scotish Rite (thirty-second degree); Mecca 
Shrine, of New York, No. 1103, Knights of Pythias, Hoboken Lodge. No. 35, 
F. & A. M.; Pilgrim Commandry, No. 16, K. T.; the Quartette Club, and is 
president of the Union Athletic Club. He retains to a remarkable degree 
the vigor of health and the unimpaired constitution that has enabled him tO' 



384 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

accomplish so nnich physically and mentally and still remain in his ]jrime. He 
has many friends far and near, and enjoys the well-merited respect and friend- 
ship of all good citizens in Hobokeu and Hudson county. He is one of the 
self-made Americans, whose experiences and achievements are possible in no 
other country, and whose "footprints on the sands of time" afford encourage- 
ment to all those that have their way to make unaided in the battle of life. 

In December of 1852, Mr. McDonough married Miss Harriet, the eldest 
daughter of Captain Samuel R. Fredericks, a military man and noted rifle sharp- 
shooter, living in Hoboken, who belonged to a club of sharp-shooters in New 
York. They were the parents of four children — three girls and one boy. All 
died in infancy or youth; the eldest, Malvena, a girl of sixteen, passing away 
from the results of a severe cold taken while at a school near Montreal, Can- 
ada. The wife died in 1862, and this eldest child in 1874. In 1864 Mr. Mc- 
Donough married his second wife, Mrs. Harriet Wainw-right Higgins. A 
daughter was born of this union — Hattie \ irginia, who married Frederick E. 
Ludwig. of Alexandria, Mrginia, where the}- now reside. 



IRVINQ 5M1TH, 



The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, was born in Brooklyn, 
New York, November 27th, 1859. He is the son of Ira and .Anna Wyckofif 
(Haves) Smith. Ira Smith was born in New York City. His ancestors for 
several generations were born in the upper part of the State. His wife, who 
before her marriage was Anna Wyckofif Hayes, is the daughter of Captain 
William Henry Hayes, the adopted son of Commodore Decatur, and fought 
with him during the War of 1812. Captain Hayes was lost at sea in the Clip- 
per Ship "Rainbow," going to China in 1848. Mr. Smith's mother is of old 
Dutch Quaker stock, who were among the first settlers of New Jersey, her 
great-grandfather being one of General Washington's Aides in the battle of 
Monmouth. 

Mr. Irving Smith attended school in Brooklyn until the age of fifteen, 
when he was sent to Celle, Germany, where he remained at school for two years, 
after which his first experience in the industrial world was brought about by 
his entering a silk manufacturing concern in Lyons, France. The practical 
knowledge and general experience he secured during his early youth in the 
Old World, laid the foundation for the successful business career he has since 
followed, and each change he has made in a business way has been one of ad- 
vancement and progress. 

After remaining in Europe for three years he returned to his native coun- 
try, and in 1878, entered the employment of the American Waltham Watch 
Company in their New York office. In 1886 he was elected a director of 
the company and placed in charge of their sales office in Boston. In 1887 he 
became a partner in a wholesale jewelry house in Boston, and remained thus 
connected until 1892. when he left Boston to associate himself with the Cres- 
cent Watch Case Company in Newark, of which concern he is now treasurer 




IRVING SMITH 




/ * 



MAURICE A. ROGERS 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 385 

and general manager. He is also treasurer of the Eastham Cranberry Com- 
pany of Alassachusetts. 

Mr. Smith is a gentleman of pleasing personality and is held in high esteem 
by his many friends. 

Fraternally he is a member of Hope Lodge, F. & A. M., Royal Arch Chap- 
ter and the Improved Order of Red Men. 

Socially he is a member of the Essex County Country Club. Orange 
Club, Reform Club of New York City, Crescent Athletic Club, of Brooklyn, 
New York, and is a member of the Improvement Society of East Orange, the 
New England Society of Orange and the Newark Board of Trade. 

While Mr. Smith was a resident of Brooklyn he enlisted in Company 
"E" of the Twenty-third Regiment, N. G., S. N. Y., and served five years in that 
organization. This regiment has for many years been considered the lead- 
ing military organization of Brooklyn. It enlists its members from the 
wealthiest and first families and has always been held in the hearts of Brook- 
lynites in the same esteem that the people of Manhattan Island have entertained 
and exhibited for the Seventh Regiment of New York. 

On March i, 1883, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Harriet M. 
Cobb, whose ancestors were natives of Kentucky. Their union has been 
blessed with three children: Irma, born in New York Cit}', Harriet Mar- 
garite, born in Newton. Massachusetts, and Irving, Jr.. born in East Orange. 

Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the First Unitarian church of Essex 
countv. New Tersev. Air. Smith serves as treasurer and trustee. 



HON. MAURICE A. ROGERS, 

Of the firm of T. A. Rogers & Son, the well known oyster planters, was born 
July 3, 1858, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, son of Thomas A. and Mary 
(Barnes) Rogers. His grandfather, Alexander Rogers, was a native of Lewis 
county, New York, where he followed farming for a time, and subsequently 
resided in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he erected the first stone house in 
183Q. Grandfather Rogers 'last years were spent in \'ergennes, Michigan, 
where he passed away at the age of seventy years. Thomas A. Rogers, worked 
for some years as a cook on an oyster boat. In time he became the captain, 
and, in 1864, he engaged in the business of oyster planting, which occupation 
he has continued to follow. He makes his home in Camden, where he came 
from Philadelphia, in 1868. His wife, Mary A., daughter of Spencer Barnes, 
of Philadelphia, has been a faithful companion to her husband, and a wise 
mother to her children. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have been the parents of ten 
children, seven of whom are now living 

Maurice A. Rogers, the eldest child of his parents, was about ten years 
old when he came to Camden. \\'hen a school boy of eleven years, he aided 
in making his living by delivering milk in the morning. He was next em- 
ployed by heating rivets on reveiuie cutters, and then in the store house of 
25 



386 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Smith & Harris, with whom he remained one year. For twelve years, dating 
from 1873, he was a clerk in his father's office, at the end of which time he be- 
came a member of the firm. Messrs. Rogers & Son are reputed to be the 
largest individual oyster planters on Delaware Bay. Their office and ware 
house is at three hundred and twenty-si.x South Delaware avenue, and three 
hundred and twenty-five South Water street, Philadelphia, and they have 
another place of business at Maurice River, New Jersey. 

In September, 1880, Mr. Rogers married Miss Ella V. Bradshaw, a native 
of Camden, daughter of William M. Bradshaw, and a niece of ex-Mayor Brad- 
shaw. Their children are (Maurice Sumner), Gertrude B., and Clarence H. 
In 1882 Mr. Rogers was elected a member of the Board of Education. He 
was re-elected in 1884, and served until 1886. Beginning March 5, 1883, he 
was a member of the City Council for nine years. In both the City Council and 
Board of Education, he served in the capacity of president. He was elected 
State Senator, in 1890, and in 1893, and served as president of the Senate 
throughout the year 1894. He is connected with a number of fraternal organ- 
izations, including New Jersey Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; 
Ionic Lodge, No. 94, F. & A. M.,. of which he is past master; Siloam Chapter, 
Royal Arch Masons; Excelsior Consistory; Lincoln Council, No. i; Junior 
Order of United American Mechanics, and is vice-councilor of the State 
Council of New Jersey; Witherspoon Circle B. (H. F.) U., and Leni Lenape 
Tribe of the Improved Order of Red Men. In religious views he is a Uni- 
tarian, and is courteous and kindly in manner. ^Ir. Rogers has many friends. 
The quality which has brought him the measure of success he now enjoys will 
undoubtedly carry him to a still wider field of action. 



JAMES MADISON DRAKE, 

Journalist and soldier, was born in Somerset county. New Jersey, March 25, 
1837. At the age of six years he was placed in his father's printing office in 
Elizabeth, Xew Jersey. .\t the age of twelve he was a rapid and correct com- 
positor. When about fifteen years old he held a position upon a morning 
newspaper in Trenton, Xew Jersey, being noted for his skill and diligence. 
The year following he began the publication of "The Mercer Standard." a lit- 
erary paper, and later on he started "The Evening Express," which was con- 
tinued by an association of journeymen printers. In 1857 he was also a re- 
porter on the "State Gazette" of Trenton. He issued "The Wide-Awake," 
a campaign sheet in i860. At the age of twenty-one he was elected an Al- 
derman of the City of Trenton, and was re-elected at the expiration of his 
term. In 1859 he organized the American Hose Company, No. 2, and served 
as its foreman until the fall of Fort Sumter. The "American" was always 
a highly efficient and prosperous organization. In April, 1861, he organized 
the first company of United States volunteers which was raised in New Jersey 
for the three months' service, but refused its command, going with its regiment, 
the Third New Jersey Militia, to Washington, District of Columbia, as color 
bearer, with the rank of ensign. When Gen. Runyon's New Jersey brigade 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



387 



crossed the Long Bridge into \'irginia. on the night of Alay 24, 1861, the Third 
Regiment led the advance towards Alexandria, and as Drake stepped on the 
bridge, he unfurled his colors, and so carried them until near daybreak, when 
word was received that Colonel Ellsworth, of the New York Ellsworth Zou- 
aves, had landed at Alexandria, and had been killed. The subject of this 
sketch has therefore the distinction of having unfurled the first Federal flag 
on Confederate soil. When the three months' campaign was ended, Drake 




J. M.VDISOX DRAKE. 

resumed the printing business, but soon enlisted in the Ninth New Jersey Vol- 
unteers, with which regiment he remained until the war closed, save for the 
time he passed in Confederate prisons. He was wounded in an engagement 
at \\'inton, North Carolina, in 1863. The Army of the James landed at Ber- 
muda Hundred. Mrginia. -May 5. 1864, and on the following morning, com- 
menced its march toward Petersburg. Captain Drake having command of the 
skirmish line. In the sanguinary battle of Drewery's Blufif. which followed 
on the i6th. Drake and most of his company (D) were captured. He was 
subsequently confined at Libby Prison. Richmond. \'irginia. at Danville. North 
Carolina, at Macon, at Savannah. Georgia, and at Charleston. South Carolina, 



388 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

October 6, 1864, while on a train of cars intransitu from Charleston to Colum- 
bia, South Carolina, Drake and three brother officers — Captain Harry H. Dodd, 
Eighth Xew Jersev \'olunteers. Captain J. E. Lewis. Eleventh Connecticut 
\'olunteers, and Capt. Alfred Grant. Nineteenth Wisconsin \'oluntejrs. leaped 
from the car which confined them, and which was guarded by seven armed Con- 
federates, and after many hardships and a fatiguing tramp through South Caro- 
lina and North Carolina, (the Applachian range being crossed in a blinding snow 
storm) and East Tennessee, he succeeded in reaching the Federal lines at 
Knoxville, Tennessee, a distance of one thousand miles, forty-seven days being 
consumed in the trip. Captain Drake, while a prisoner of war. made repeated 
attempts to escape. At Macon. Georgia, he assisted in digging one of the 
five tunnels, and at Savannah he worked many nights under the earth hoping 
to regain freedom. His tramp through the Carolinas and across East Ten- 
nessee to Knoxville, was considered a remarkable journey. On the recom- 
mendation of Gen. Grant, Captain Drake was presented with a congressional 
medal "'for distinguished gallantry during the war," which was accompanied 
with a complimentary letter from the Secretary of War. When mustered out 
Captain Drake settled at Elizabeth. New Jersey, and began the publication of 
"The Daily ^Monitor." In 1889, he started ""The Sunday Leader." and in Au- 
gust of the same year began the issue of "The Daily Leader." He has written 
the "History of the Ninth New Jersey \'olunteers:" "Fast and Loose in Dix- 
ie," and "Across the Continent " In the year 1866 Captain Drake organized 
the V'eteran Zouaves, ever)^ one of whom had stood the fiery ordeal of many 
battles. They soon revived the military spirit among the young men of Eliza- 
beth, and a regiment — the Third — was formed. Captain Drake being elected 
Colonel. He commanded the regiment for five years, when the Legislature 
passed a special act. authorizing the Governor to confer upon him the rank of 
Brigadier-General by brevet. In 1878 he reorganized the \'eteran Zouaves, 
and the company aroused such interest in various sections of the Union that it 
.vas invited to visit almost every part of the country, receiving ovations in the 
principal cities. In 1886. General Drake took his Zouaves across the continent 
to San Francisco, being absent from home one month, and four years later he 
took the command on a three weeks' tour of the South. New Orleans being the 
objective point. \\'hile at Charleston. South Carolina, as the guests of that 
city, the Zouaves were conveyed on a steamer to Fort Sumter, and entertained at 
a banquet upon the ramparts of that historic pile. As a disciplinarian and 
drill master. General Drake possesses qualities of a high order. 



CORNELIUS CHRISTIE, 



Whose name introduces this review is the son of David and Anna ( Brinkerhoflf) 
Christie, both natives of Bergen county. New Jersey. David Christie was born 
December i. 1789, at Schraalenburg. Bergen county, and his wife. Anna Brink- 
erhoflf. was born in that section of Bergen county now called Ridgefield Park, 
formerly Old Hackensack. May 12, 1797. Their marriage occurred March 
12, 1814. after which he removed with his bride to New York City, where he 




CORNELIUS CHRISTIE 




^/^^y^. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 389 

prospered in business until 1835, when he returned to New Jersey and purchased 
a farm at what was then Enghsh Neighborhood (now Leonia) Bergen county, 
at which place he resided until his death, which occurred April 8, 1848. His 
wife died February 27, 1883. To them were born fifteen cliildren, only two of 
whom now survive. 

Our subject was born at English Neighborhood, Bergen county, December 
6, 1835. As a youth he read law in the office of Mercer Beasley at Trenton,, 
and Abraham O. Zabriskie at Jersey City. He graduated from Yale College 
with the class of 1855, and was also a student at the Harvard Law School. He 
was admitted to practice in New Jersey in i860, where he has been in continu- 
ous practice, except for an interval between the years 1870 and 1876, when he 
published the "New Jersey Citizen," an independent weekly Democratic news- 
paper, at Hackensack, New Jersey. 

He served as a member of the Asseniblv in 1867 and 1868, as Mayor of 
Leonia since its incorporation as a borough, in 1894, having been twice re- 
elected without opposition, and has held various other offices of trust. He is 
connected with the Presbyterian church and is a member of the Alpha Delta 
Phi Society, Yale Chapter. In his political views he is an independent Democrat. 



WILLIAM OQDEN HEADLEY 

Was born in Headleyville, New Jersey, six miles west of Newark, March 12, 
1815. He died in 1875 in his sixtieth year. His father was Daniel Head- 
ley. He was the only child of his father's second marriage. His mother, 
Joanna Headley, died when he was only two years old. He had three broth- 
ers and four sisters, the children of his father's first marriage, a brother the 
child of his mother's first marriage, and a sister, the child of his father's third 
marriage. In this large household, William distinguished himself in his youth 
for his affectionate and fraternal amiability. His youth and boyhood were 
noted for traits of industry and diligence in religious and educational discipline, 
which yielded the best qualities of his maturer years. "The child was the father 
of the man." His physique was large and well-proportioned and noble. To 
this, his farm culture and the mechanical employment of his boyhood, — he was 
engaged in the manufacture of mast hoops and hanks for sailors and ships, — 
contributed. His industrial education began when he was entrusted at an early 
age with the disposal of these hoops and hanks in the New York market. His 
competence for such a work, when a mere boy, presaged his after success in the 
higher avenues of commerce. 

At the age of sixteen, in 1831, he entered upon a carpenter's apprentice- 
ship. His college was a sash and blind factory. He studiously aspired to ex- 
cel in quantity and quality of work. The years, when he was a journeyman, 
were marked by athleticism, industry, skill, conciliation, uniform kindness and 
success. Then, and always in his later career, his dealings were "on the 
square." At the age of twenty-two, in 1837, he became foreman of a sash 
and blind factory in Brooklyn, New York. His deeper religious life dates 
from this period. 



390 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

At the age of twenty-four, in the autumn of 1839, lie was married to Miss 
JMaria S. Pierson. Their home was blessed by five children, three sons and two 
daughters, two of whom died in childhood. When he was married he came 
back to live in Newark. On the day of his marriage his monev capital was 
only one hundred and twenty-six dollars. To this cash investment must be 
added his skill and industry and integrity, which were by this time already 
recognized in business circles. He formed a partnership with Frederick Calla- 
way in a sash and blind factory which continued for nineteen years in undis- 
turbed harmony, — in unmarred confidence, — and with uniform profit. 

At the age of forty-three, in 1858, Air. Headley purchased a farm near 
Plainfield, New Jersey, and removed with his family to occupy it. The part- 
nership in sashes and blinds was dissolved by mutual consent, in order that Mr. 
Headley might be free to devote himself to the interests of his farm. He re- 
mained in Plainfield only two years, returning to Newark with his family at 
the age of forty-five, in i860, to engage in the manufacture of trunks and valises. 
He had no mechanical training for this business, but he was not slow in ac- 
quiring the mastery of it. At first reverses threatened. The commencement 
of the war involved the manufacturing interests of the whole country in em- 
barrassment. But the tide was stemmed. The cable of his virtues as a busi- 
ness man, a citizen and a Christian did not give or slip. Friends rallied to his 
support until the threatened calamity was past. His business developed within 
a few years into large proportions and gave employment to hundreds of em- 
ployees. Mr. Headley was always just before he was generous in his business 
relations. But his generosity is proverbial and a matter of tradition to-day 
(February, 1900) in this town. In this vocation he associated his only sur- 
viving son with himself as a partner, and continued its jnirsuit until the day he 
died. He left behind him a valuable estate as a legacy to his heirs. 

He united with the Central Presbyterian church of New-ark, June 2^. 1840, 
by certificate from the Second Presbyterian church of Broc'dyn, New York. 
His connection with this fellowship was uninterrupted for thirt -five years and 
was characterized by deep piety, sagacious counsel, discreet and unflinching 
fidelity. His gifts were exercised for many years in the oiifices of ruling elder 
and of superintendent of the Sabbath School. No layman has left a more 
abiding impression upon the American Presbvterianisni of this section and cen- 
tury than William C)gden Headlev. 



ALBERT OGDEN HEADLEY 

Was born in Newark, New Jersey, October 21, 1840. He was the eldest son 
of William Ogden Headley, in a family of five children. His mother was 
Maria Smith Pierson. He was educated at the Newark Academy, from which 
he was graduated in his eighteenth year. 1858. He became connected with 
the clothing firm of Gaothwaite, Lewis & Company. He remained in that 
firm only a short time and then became associated as partner, in business with 
his father, who was the founder of the trunk and valise manufacturing firm of 
William O. Headley & Son, in i860 At his father's death in 1875, Mr. 




— ^s^f> 




^^a^^^^ 




BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



391 



A 




392 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Headley, at the age of thirty-five, became the head of the firm. At the age 
of fifty-three, in 1893, he absorbed the Edgar Farmer & Co. trunk business and 
was made the president of the syndicate. He bought out the Lagowitz fac- 
tory in Harrison, New Jersey, where the large business interests were pos- 
sessed. Mr. Headley was progressive in his temperment and aggressive in his 
business methods. Under his enterprising management and oversight, the 
trunk manufacture steadily increased in volume and prosperity. Many of his 
distinguished father's sterling traits of character and fine achievements in com- 
merce were repeated and intensified in him. 

He was a member of the Board of Trade and a director in the Second Na- 
tional Bank. He was a stanch Republican in politics. His citizenship was 
intelligent. His views of financial and economical policy were broad and 
trustworthy. He was an influential member for many years of the Central 
Presbyterian church, and the wise and liberal president of its Board of Trustees. 

He married Miss JNIary Arnold, of Clifton Springs, Saratoga county. New 
York. Airs. Headley died at Shelter Island, New York, on July 7, 1897. They 
had three children, Mary Arnold, Albert C)gden and Jane Elizabeth. 

He died December 21st, 1898, at his home, 760 High street, Newark, New 
Jersey, in his fifty-eighth year. 



ALBERT D. BROWN. 



Ex-Judge Albert D. Brown was born in Woodbridge, Middlesex county. 
New Jersey, October 29, 1829. He is a descendant of Scotch Presbyterians 
that emigrated to this country in the latter part of the sixteenth century, and 
settled in Woodbridge, where he has resided all his life. His paternal grand- 
father, Furman Brown, was born at Woodbridge, he was a farmer and died in 
October, 1826. 

David Brown, the father of our subject, was born in May, 1796, and died 
June 12, 1845. He attended the public school at Woodbridge and afterwards 
attended the academy at that place. When he arrived at age he engaged in 
farming on land inherited from his father. He was a member of the old Whig 
party, and took considerable interest in politics, but never aspired to any ofifice. 
Julia A. Brown, his mother, was a daughter of Colonel Benjamin A. Brown, of 
Scotch descent, a prominent citizen of Woodbridge, and a soldier of the Revo- 
lution. He died in 1838. 

David and Julia A. Brown were united in marriage in August, 1819'. Four 
children were born to them, Christiana, Rebecca, Euphemia and Albert D. 
Brown. The subject of this sketch in his early life attended the common school 
at Woodbridge, and afterward attended the academy of Thomas H. Morris 
at that place. The death of his father occurred when he was sixteen years of 
age. He at once took possession of his father's farm, also engaged in various 
other kinds of business. He is the possessor of considerable property in and 
around Woodbridge and devotes most of his time to its care. 

He is a Republican in politics. .Although he cannot be termed a politician. 




ALBERT D. BROWN 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 393 

yet he takes an active interest in all political questions. He has been prom- 
inently identified with his party for many years. 

During the Civil War he held the office of inspector. For a number of 
years he was president of the Town Committee, the governing body of the town. 
He was treasurer of the township in i860, member of the Township Committee 
for a number of years, was twice nominated for member of the Legislature, but 
was defeated by a small margin, receiving many more votes than his party. 
He was judge of Middlesex county court from 1873 to 1878. He is a trustee 
of the Barren Library, a director in the Rahway Mutual Fire Insurance Com- 
pany, president of the Union Loan and Savings Company of Rahway, vice- 
president of the Dime Savings Bank of Woodbridge and a director in the First 
National Bank of Perth Amboy. He is an attendant of the Presbyterian 
church. 

In October, 1863, !Mr. Brown married Caroline V., only daughter of the 
late WilHam W. Maw-bey, of England, a leading business man of the town of 
Woodbridge. Her mother was Caroline Robertson, a daughter of William 
Robertson, of New Providence, New Jersey. Six children have blessed this 
union, all born at Woodbridge, New Jersey, as follows: David A., who is 
largely interested in the clay mining business at and near Woodbridge, William 
Mawbey, an attorney at Newark, who married Minnie B. Hallock, of Newark, 
New Jersey, October 12, 1892: Charles R., engaged in the insurance business 
at Newark and W'oodbridge; George H., proprietor of a general country store 
in Woodbridge, who married Lizzie Gardner, of Woodbridge, July 5th, 1899; 
Arthur C, a graduate of Princeton College, engaged in business in the City of 
New York, and Frederick W, a bookkeeper, now traveling in the West for the 
benefit of his health. 



DAVID C. ENGLISH, M. D., 

One of the ablest and most distinguished physicians of New Jersey. David C. 
EngHsh, M. D., was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, March 2, 1842. The 
family have been prominent in the State since its earliest settlement, and the 
present Dr. English is the third in a direct line on the paternal side who have 
been distinguished in medical circles. His grandfather was Dr. James English. 
a commissioned surgeon in the army during the War of the Revolution, while 
his father, Dr. David C. English was also a prominent physician. The early 
education of Dr. English was obtained in the schools of his native town, and 
in 1868 he was graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Co- 
lumbia College) New York City. After graduation he returned to New Bruns- 
wick and established himself in practice and has risen to an eminent place in 
the profession. 

In a work of this character it is not necessary to enter into elaborate detail, 
but a brief enumeration of a few of the many positions of official trust and honor 
that have been held by Dr. English may serve as a basis upon which a just 
estimate can be formed of the esteem and respect in which he is held by the 
members of the medical profession. He has been treasurer of the Middlesex 



394 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

County Medical Society since 1876, and is an ex-president of that organiza- 
tion. He is a member of the State Medical Societ}- and was on the Standing 
Committee for four years, serving three years of that time as chairman. In 
1894 he was elected third vice-president, and in 1897, at the one hundred and 
thirty-first annual meeting, was elected president of the Medical Society of New 
Jersey. He is now one of the Fellows in that Society. He is a member and 
secretary of the staff of the Wells Memorial Hospital at New Brunswick. He 
is vice-president of the New Jersey State Micropscopical Society, and is also a 
member of the New Brunswick Historical Society. 

Notwithstanding his arduous and continuous labors in the active practice 
of his chosen profession, and in the discharge of the duties incident to and ne- 
cessitated by the numerous official positions he has held, he has been equally 
prominent and active in religious matters. In 1871, and again in 1881, he 
was president of the New Jersey State Y. M. C. A. conventions. From 1870 
to 1894, inclusive, he was continuously a member of the State Executive Com- 
mittee, and for ten years was president of the New Brunswick Y. M. C. A. He 
has been an elder in the First Presbyterian church of New Brunswick since 
1873, and has twice been elected by the Presbytery of New Brunswick a com- 
missioner to the General Assembly of the church. 

Dr. English is an active, earnest, zealous man and throughout his life has 
labored for the advancement of his profession, and through the religious organ- 
izations with which he is connected, for the uplifting and betterment of his fellow 
men. As a medical man he is recognized by the profession as being one of 
the foremost practitioners in the State, while in the circle of his immediate ac- 
quaintanceship and among his friends and neighbors, he is respected and es- 
teemed for his uniform courtesy and kindness, the purity of his moral character 
and his earnest devotion under all circumstances to what he considers justice 
and right. 

He married, in 1870 Miss Susan C. Blake, daughter of Hon. Harrison 
Blake, formerly of Maine. They have one son, Grenfill H. B. English, who re- 
sides in New Brunswick. 

The only political or civil office he has held was that of Alderman of his 
ward in 1867 and 1868. 



EDWARD F. ALLINQ, 



A prominent resident of East Orange, New Jersey, is a native of the State. He 
attended the common schools until the age of sixteen years. His first employ- 
ment was in that busy section of New York City known as "^^'all street," and in 
this vicinity he is now operating as a stock broker. 

Mr. Ailing is vice-president of the People's Bank, and treasurer of the 
Savings Investment & Trust Company, both of East Orange. He is a member 
of the Brick Presbyterian Church and fraternally he is a Mason. Socially 
he is a member of the Essex Club, of New Jersey, Essex County Country Club 
and Riding Club. Politically he is a Republican. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 395 

EDWARD A. WALTON 

Was born in New York City on May 9, 1836, and his early youth was passed in 
the towns of Xorwalk, Connecticut, and Williamsburgli, Long Island. His 
business career began on his fourteenth birthday, when he entered the employ- 
ment of the Citizens' Insurance Company in its Williamsburg office. After 
ten years of clerkship he was, in i860, appointed secretary of the Citizens'. In 
1881 he was promoted to the vice-presidency of the company, and in April, 
1886, was elected president, completing forty-eight years of service on May 
9, 1898. He is the last but one of the signers of the first reports made to the 
Insurance Department in i860. 

While secretary of the Citizens, in 1878, he was elected president of the 
New York Board of Fire Underwriters, and was re-elected in 1879, ^nd he served 
at various times on several of its standing committees. 

At the annual meeting of the National Board of Fire Underwriters in May, 
1894, Mr. Walton was elected president of that organization, having served 
for several \ears as chairman of its Finance Committee, and was re-elected to 
that ofifice in May, 1895, serving for two years as president of the as- 
sociation. 

He is a resident of Ridgewood, New Jersey, is a director of the Manhattan 
Life Insurance Company, and of the National Citizens' Bank of New York; 
trustee of the Manhattan Savings Institution, treasurer of the Long Branch 
Water Supply Company, director of the Ridgewood Electric Light Company, 
vice-president of the Ridgewood Hall and Park Association, and a member of 
the Union League and Insurance Clubs of New York, and of the Ridgewood 
Club, and president of the Alonmouth Beach Country Club. 

The Citizens' Insurance Company of New York, with which Mr. Walton 
has been so long connected, was organized in 1836, and has always stood well 
in the community and with its competitors, and the fact that both Mr. James 
M. McLean, its former president, and Mr. Walton have been elected twice to 
the presidency of the New York Board of Fire Underwriters, and to the Na- 
tional Board of Fire Underwriters is an evidence that the company and its 
•officers have secured the good will of their business associates. 

Mr. Walton, in addition to his various other interests, has l)een largely 
engaged in real estate, and was mainly instrumental in the founding and growth 
of two important colonies: namely, that of Ridgewood, Bergen county. New 
Jersey, where he has been a resident for the past thirty-eight years: and of 
the unique settlement on the Jersey coast known as Monmouth Reach, of which 
he was one of the founders in 1871, and of which he has been a continual sum- 
mer resident for the last twenty-eight years. Mr. Walton is the only surviving 
resident of the original settlers of Monmouth Beach, and has always given a 
great deal of attention to the interests of that colony, as well as to those of his 
winter home at Ridgewood. His face is familiar to the travelers on the old 
Sandy Hook route, as he has a room on the well known steamer "Monmouth," 
where are frequently to be met some of the best known men in finacial. com- 
mercial and political circles 

Mr. Walton has alwavs been a friend of the younger men in the insurance 
business. Manv now holding prominent positions are indebted to him for 



396 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

kindly help and encouragement in their earlier days, and those who hold him in 
the highest esteem are those who know him most intimately. 

^Ir. Walton has been identified with every movement made during the 
past thirty years looking to the improvement of the business of fire under- 
writing, and he is frequently chosen arbitrator in disputes between companies. 
With ;\Ir. Walton as an arbitrator, or as a member of a committee having in 
charge important questions, all parties in interest give him their full confidence. 
They know that he gives to the consideration of such questions not only his 
ripe experience as a successful fire underwriter, but they also know that his 
action will be controlled by equity, strict integrity and sotind sense, for he is 
the personificatioii of these qualities. 

Air. Walton has always taken an active interest in national politics. In 
1868 he was a delegate to the Chicago Convention which nominated Grant and 
Colfax, and in 1872 he was Republican elector from New Jersey, voting for U. 
S. Grant and Henry Wilson. At the close of the war, and during the years 
'66, '68 and '70, he was active in the old Fourth Congressional District in New 
Jersey, being chairman of the Congressional Committee for two terms, and was 
also treasurer of the Bergen County Executive Committee, and prominent in 
the movement that made that county a Republican county, as well as the district 
a Republican district. He has, however, for the past few years abstained from 
active participation in politics, although always interested in the general results. 



ELLES R. CARHUFF. 



The precise origin of the surname of the family, to whom the subject of our 
sketch belongs, is one difficult, if not almost impossible, to determine with cer- 
tainty. In common v^ith other names, which bear the prefix of "Car" or 
"Carr," its antiquity is judged by that prefix, which in Anglo-Saxon of a re- 
mote period, signified "a rock," or "elevation where castles stood," whence the 
authorities draw the inference that the Carhufif family belonged to the baronial, 
or lords of the Manor Class, and were originally of the military and commanding 
order. These traditions, concerning Old World families, are interesting and, 
undoubtedly, contain more of truth than fiction, however in more prosaic days 
we may regard them. 

Elles R. Carhufif. a sketch of whose life follows, was born at Dingnian's 
Ferry, Pike county, Pennsylvania, May 25th, 1827, and died in Newark, New 
Jersey, October ist, 1897 He was the son of Elles R. and Eleanor (Van Sco- 
der) Carhufif. In passing we note that the name of Elles, or Ellis, in British, 
is derived, according to the authority of Hals, "from a well known regal name 
of Anglo-Saxon times." 

Mr. Carhuff received his early education in the schools of his native place, 
and, while yet a young man, came to Newark, New Jersey, where he learned 
the carpenter's trade, associating himself, for that purpose, with the late Ezra 
Reeve. 

Having perfected himself in the details of his chosen avocation, Mr. Carhuff 
soon after, entered business for himself, and was not long in acquiring a repu- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



397 



tation, which brought his services into demand, for the erection of many of the 
most important buildings, public and private, of Newark. Among such we 
note the residence of the late Cornelius Walsh; known, at the time of its 
erection, as the most imposing private residence in the city, the Chestnut street 
school house, one of the first of the large and modern structures built, for 
educational purposes, in Newark, and the South Park Presbyterian church, 
erected under the personal supervision of Mr. Carhuft. 



-^^^ 




ELLES R. CARHUEF. 



While, by inclination and training, Mr. Carhufif was primarily interested 
in buildings and architectural affairs, generally, he was a man of scientific mind 
and fond of experiment and investigation. From following this scientific bent of 
mind he became, ultimately, the discoverer of an entirel\- new process for the 
making of prussiate of potash. In 1859 he entered the business of the manu- 
facturing of prussiate of potash, and several years later associating with himself 
as partner in the industry, Josiah F. Dodd (now deceased), he built the large and 
well known plant on Chestnut street in this city. As the inventor of the new 
process, already alluded to, and as one of the larger manufacturers of prussi- 
ate of potash, Mr. Carhuff. in course of time, bought out Mr. Dodd"s interest 



398 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

in the business, and organized a corporation, known as the E. R. Carhuff & Son 
Co., of which company he became president, retaining that position during the 
remainder of his hfe. 

While Air. Carliui? will be remembered, not alone as a man, an inventor 
and manufacturer, and while memorials of him stand in many parts of our city, 
in the buildings erected by him, he will be, perhaps, best known by his record 
in connection with the city fire department. 

The fire department of Newark has always been known as one of the best 
in existence, both in its early days, under the old volunteer system, and later, 
when it had availed itself of all that makes the modern method of dealing with 
the dreaded enemy, fire, one of the most wonderful and powerful adjuncts to 
civilisation in the world. All honor should be given to those whose lines 
are identified with the noble work of protecting the lives and property of others 
from the destroying element. 

In connection with this department. Mr. Carhuff had, and will continue to 
have, more than a merely local reputation . In 1854 he belonged to the hook 
and ladtler company, under the old volunteer department: in recognition of his 
faithful services he was called from one official position to another. In 1866 
he was appointed assistant chief engineer, the following year he received the 
appointment of chief engineer, to which office he was, after serving three years, 
again reappointed in 1871. and continued to hold office, by reappointment, until 
1876, when, by reason of a change of politics, he and many other city officials 
were followed by those of another party. During Mr. Carhuff's time of service in 
6onnection with the Newark Fire Department, many notable fires occurred, 
whose prompt arresting may be largely attributed, not alone to the superb con- 
dition of the department, under its incomparable chief, but to the personal in- 
fluence and heroic example of Air. Carhuff himself. Among large fires, whose 
injury to life and property was reduced to a minimum under Mr. Carhuff's ad- 
ministration, may be cited those of the Soldiers' Hospital, foot of Centre street, 
the Rubber Works on Warren and High streets, W. O. Headley's trunk factory, 
the large malt house of Ballantine & Co., and the Aloore & Sealy hat factory. 

Of advance movements in fire department affairs, Mr. Carhuff was always 
a leader, to his instrumentality the city is chiefly indebted for its present very 
perfect fire alarm telegraph svstem. To his efforts, as chairman of the com- 
mittee for collecting the funds for building the Fireman's Alonument, and 
erecting the beautiful fence about the firemen's lot in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, 
the department is also indebtd mainly. 

That Mr. Carhuft"'s services were apprciated by his brothers of the Fire 
Department, no better proof could be given than that shown by the profound 
sorrow with which his loss was regarded. 

In politics Mr. Carhuff was an ardent and stanch Republican; of the 
many offices, in the gift of his party, held by him, may be mentioned that of 
Chosen Freeholder, where he held positions as chairman of the Finance Com- 
mittee and also as chairman of the Lunacy Committee. While in this last office 
the Hospital for the Insane, situated on South Orange avenue, was erected. To 
his wisdom and actions, in connection with the erection of this great institution 
the community owes much. 

Mr. Carhuff was, for manv vears, a director in the Alt. Pleasant Cemetery 




OLIVER S. CARTER 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 399 

Conipan}-, and for some time, president of that body; he was, also, a member 
of the Board of Trade of the City of Newark. In church matters he was 
much interested, being one of the original members, and a founder of St. Paul's 
M. E. church, to which church, in all its interests, he was greatly devoted 
throughout life. 

In December of 185 1, Air. CarhutT married Sarah AI. Conger, of Newark, 
New Jersey. The Conger family of America is another of the Old World 
families whose sons came to the new land at an early period in its colonial 
history, bringing with them, in addition to the sturdy virtues of their ancestors, 
that love of freedom which characterized our first settlers, and has been handed 
down to their sons and daughters. Mrs. Carhufif survives her husband, and 
three children are living of their family of five. Willard W., born Alarch 20th, 
1853, now a resident of Chicago; Fred P., born May 27th, 1862, and Enmia 
G., who married Lewis G. Daw^son. Five grandchildren are also living. 

Mr. Carhuiif's death was, undoubtedly, hastened, if not caused, by an ac- 
cident; he was thrown from his carriage, and received injuries which, together 
with the shock to his constitution resulting therefrom, left him in so precarious 
a condition that he was physically unable to rally from a subsequent stroke of 
apoplexy, notwithstanding the best efforts and devotion of family and friends, 
and all that professional attention and skill could devise or perform. 

It has been said, very truly, of Mr. Carhufif, that "he was one against whom 
no word of evil could be spoken." He was a man of uprightness and strict 
integrity and singularly straightforward in word and action. He honored his 
God and loved devotedly his family, country, church and fellow men. In every 
position he worked only for the highest good of his party, his city, county and 
state, never, under any circumstances, sacrificing principle to self-interest. He 
was a man of broad views, kind heart and generous nature, and was greatly 
interested in public improvement of all kinds. .\lthough not given to display, 
Air. Carhuff was a true lover of the beautiful, in art and nature. He was loved 
and respected in life as they only can be respected and loved who place above 
everything else the doing of that which is true and just; his memory will live as 
one who "feared God and kept His conmTandments." 



OLIVER S. CARTER, 



A prominent resident of West Orange, New Jersey, and one of the leaders of 
finance in New York City, where he is president of the National Bank of the 
Republic, was born in New Hartford, Connecticut, and is the son of Hernias 
and Hannah (Booth) Carter. Hernias Carter was a native of Berlin, Connec- 
ticut, and was born in 1780. he died in 1858. His wife, Hannah Booth wa& 
also born in Berlin, Connecticut, in 1780, and died in 1863. Both parents 
were of English descent. The father was a mechanic. 

Oliver S. Carter left school when he was fifteen years of age and took a 
position as clerk in a store in Hartford. He came to New York City on March 
I, 1843. and took a position as the youngest clerk in a wholesale grocery house, 
at a salary of one hundred and fifty dollars per year. On January i, 1854, 



400 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

he was taken into partnership in this firm, which became that of W'hitlock, Kel- 
logg & Carter By the death of the senior partner, i\lr, Caitcr was at the head 
of the firm, which, on January i, i860, became that of Carter & Hawleys. In 
this line of business Mr. Carter continued until January i, 1895. I" '856 he 
was elected a director in the North American Fire Insurance Company, and 
in i860 a director in the Home Fire Insurance Company of New York, and at 
about the same time was elected a director in both the World Life Insurance 
Companies of New York and Chicago. In 1874 he was elected a director in 
the National Bank of the Republic of New York, and was made honorary vice- 
president of that institution when Henry W. Cannon left it to accept the presi- 
dency of the Chase National Bank. At the death of Hon. John J. Knox in 
February. 1892, ^Ir. Carter accepted the presidency of the Xational Bank of the 
Repul)lic, which position he now holds. 

Mr. Carter is a member of the Chamber of Conmierce of New York City, 
of the Union League and Down Town Clubs, of the Academy of Fine Arts, 
of the New England Society of C )range, and of the Essex County Country Club. 
In politics he is a Republican. 

In 1854 Mr. Carter was married to Elizabeth Hyde, daughter of John H. 
Coley, of New Haven, Connecticut, by whom he has five daughters and one son, 
the latter died in infancy. The mother of these children died in 1880, 
and in 1887. Mr. Carter married Miss Isis Yterbide Potter, of Trenton, New 
Jersey. From 1854 until the spring of i860 Mr. Carter resided in Brooklyn, 
New York, at the latter time removing to Orange, New Jersey, under advice of 
his physician. In 1878 he removed to his present residence in \\'est (Jrange. 



JOHN WAHL QUEEN 



Was born at Mount Pleasant, Hunterdon county. New Jersey, February 
20, 1862, his parents being John W. and Livera (.\pgar) Queen. Mr. 
Queen was graduated from the State Model School at Trenton, New Jersey, in 
1883, and from Princeton College in 1887, receiving from the latter institution 
the degree of Ph. D. in 1889. His legal education was obtained in the New- 
York Law School and in the ofifice of Collins & Corbin, of Jersey City. He was 
admitted to the New Jersey bar as an attorney in November, 1893, and as a 
counselor in February, 1898. He served as a member of the New Jersey 
Legislature in the House of Assembly during the session of 1895 and 1896, and 
was leader of the Democratic minority in that body. He introduced the equal 
taxation bill, which resulted in the appointment by Governor Griggs of a com- 
mission to investigate the taxation of railroad property. This fight made Mr. 
Queen one of the leaders of his party in the state, and won for him a wide 
and favorable reputation. .\ l^ill which was recommended by this commis- 
sion was introduced at the next session of the Legislature, and became a law. 
It returned to Hudson county upwards of a quarter of a million of dollars of 
taxes annually, w^hich had previously been paid by the railroads to the State. 

In January, 1897, Mr. Queen formed a copartnership for the practice of 
law with George G. Tennant, Esq., of Jersey City, under the firm name of 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



401 



^J^ 




JOHN \V. QUEEN. 

Queen & Tennant, and in May, 1898, he was appointed by Mayor Hoos to the 
office of City Attorney of Jersey City for a term of two years. He is a mem- 
ber of the Princeton Club of New York, the Pahna Club of Jersey City, the 
Jersey City Board of Trade and the University Club of Hudson county. He 
was married December 14, 1898, to Rebecca Bird, daughter of Edwin H. and 
Susie (Bird) Whitfield, of New York. 



FRED. WESLEY WENTWORTH. 

Although not a Jersey man by birth, Architect Fred Wesley Went worth 
is closely identified with all progressive and artistic building interests of his 
adopted state, and many magnificent structures stand as living epitomes of his 
professional skill and artistic genius. 

Mr. Wentworth dates his paternal ancestry Ijack to the Norman conquest, 
when according to the "Doomsday Book," compiled under thedirection of "Wil- 
liam the Conqueror" for taxation purposes, Reginald de Wynterwade, was in 
possession of the lordship of Wentworth in the W'opentake of Stafford, in the 
West Riding of Yorkshire. 

The "Magna Britannica" published about the year 1800 refers to the place 
as follows: 



26 



402 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

"The family of \Vent\\orth hath long flourisheil in this place. Ther 
have been of the degree of knights for six hnndred years, and were settled in 
this country four hundred years before that, in all likelihood, in this town. As 
it is the ancient and chief seat of the noble family, so, from hence, all others 
of this name are descended, as appears by a pedigree preserved here." 

Records show an unbroken lineage of twenty-eight generations of elder 
William ^Ventworth, who emigrated from England and settled in Exeter, New 
Hampshire, in 1638, and from him he is descended in line as follows: William 
I, Ephriam 2, Ephriam 3, Ephriam 4, Jonathan 5, Stephen 6, \Mlliam 7, Fred 8. 

Mr. Wentworth is the son of William Trickey and Lucinda Phipps (sNIac- 
Donald) Wentworth, who were married on November 12th, 1856, at Biddeford, 
Maine. 

His father was born at Hiram, Oxford county, Maine, April 11, 1832. 
When a young man he came to Dover and soon became the proprietor of the 
"Long Hill Farm," where he still resides and carries on a successful farming 
and dairy business. He has been identified with many progressive enterprises, 
and has always been prominent in local political circles, having served as Select- 
man, School Commissioner, Councilman, Alderman, and has twice represented 
his city in the State Legislature. 

His mother is a daughter of Frederick Southgate, and Susan (Abbott) 
MacDonald, and was born on the 13th day of January, 1829, at Chatham, New 
Hampshire. Mr. MacDonald was a leading citizen of the above named town, a 
Justice of the Peace, Select-man and for many years Town Clerk, and was a de- 
scendant of the old and honorable Scotch Clan MacDonald. Mrs. Went- 
worth is a woman of exceptional ability and has always been actively interested 
in social and philanthropic undertakings. 

Mr. Wentworth, as above chronicled, was born of sturdy New England 
parentage at Boxoboro, Massachusetts, on the 22d of August, 1864, where his 
parents were temporariy located while his father wes engaged in the lumbering 
of ship timebr. Within a year, they returned to their home in Dover, New 
Hampshire, where he spent his early childhood and youth. 

His early education was gathered in a country school. 

Later he attended the Grammer School in Dover, and advanced in 1879 
to the High School in the same citv where he fitted for college, graduating in 
1883. In the fall of that year he entered the Chandlee Scientific Department 
of Dartsmouth College and graduated with honors in the class of '87. Al- 
though a close student he took a prominent part in social and musical circles, 
and has the honor of being one of the founders and promoters of the "Casque 
& Gauntlet" Senior Society, now the strongest and most popular college fra- 
ternity. 

Mr. Wentworth showed a great aptitude for mathematics, science and art, 
and innncdiately after graduation started in New York City to get a practical 
knowledge of his chosen profession. The next six years were spent in the 
offices of several of the best metropolitan architects, preparatory to starting 
on his professional career, which dates from the 12th day of October, 1893, when 
he opened an office in the Paterson National Bank Building, Paterson, New 
Jersey, where he has since been located. Almost inunediately he was com- 
missioned to erect the Passaic Hospital tniildings which were successfully com- 




FRED. W. WENTWORTH 




THOMAS J. TAYLOR 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 403 

pleted the following year. Important conmiissions followed in close succes- 
sion until today ^Ir. \\'entwortli has the largest and best equipped office in the 
State. 

On August 23d. 1897, Mr. W'entworth was chosen to represent the United 
States Government as Superintendent of Construction of the Federal building, 
just completed in Paterson, one of the finest structures in the State, which 
stands a monument to his practical skill. 

Among the commissions successfully completed by ;\Ir. Wentworth are: 
The Peoples Bank and Trust Company's building: the Young Men's 
Christian Association building in Passaic: the New York and New Jersey 
Telephone Exchange; "Essex House" the residence of Hon John W. Griggs^ 
Attorney-General; residences of ]\Ir. James HinchlifTe, Mr. M. H. Ellenbogen 
and Mr. James Simpson in Paterson: the palatial residence of Mr. Kimball C. 
Atwood at Oradell, New Jersey: the fine residences of (ieneral Bird W. Spencer 
in Passaic, and of Quartermaster General, Richard A. Donnelly at Spring 
Lake. Mr. Wentworth has also served the State. All the buildings on the 
grounds of the New Jersey State camp having beeij erected from his plans and 
under his superintendence. 

^Ir. Wentworth is a Republican in politics, a Universalist in religion, and 
a prominent club man, being a member of the New Jersey State Rifle Associ- 
ation; the Hamilton Club; the North Jersey Country Club, and Tourist Club of 
Paterson: the Acquackanonk Club of Passaic, and the New Jersey Society 
of Architects. ]\Ir. Wentworth was married on the 9th day of May. 1893, to 
Miss Florence Agnes Maria Hurlburt. daughter of DeWitt Clinton, and Fan- 
nie P. (Torrey) Hurlburt of Georgia, Vermont. They have no children. 



THOMAS JOHNSTON TAYLOR. 

To the subject of this review has come the attainment of a distinguished 
position in connection with an industry that is of his own conception and 
ranks with other great industries of the metropolis. His efiforts have been 
so discerningly directed along well defined lines, that he seems to have realized 
the full measure of his posibilities for accomplishment. This is a truly suc- 
cessful life. He maintains his business headquarters at 404 Broadway. New 
York Citv, while his residence is in Orange, that beautiful section of New Jer- 
sty where wealth and culttire abotmd. 

Mr. Taylor was born in New York City. January 21st, 1858. He at- 
tended the public school until his thirteenth year. His first employment was 
with the fancy goods importing house of H. & M. Kayser & Company. In 
this position he remained with them or their successor from 1871 until 1880. 
at which time they retired from business. He then accepted a position to 
represent the importing fancy' goods and jewelry firm of Cohen & Company, 
which was at that time the leading house in their line between Philadelphia 
and New Orleans. He remained with them until January. 1886. wlien he 
embarked in the jewelry business for himself, but in 1889, he took up the 
fancy goods importing and inaniiyacturing of genuine tortoise shell orra- 



404 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

ments for the hair. In these hues he has prospered, aUhoiigh for the first few 
years it was a struggle, Init his keen foresight and honorable methods of 
transacting business enabled him to accomplish the desired end that he sought. 
While Mr. Taylor was a resident of New York City, he enlisted in Company 
E, Seventh Regiment. National Guard, State of New York, in September. 1877, 
and remained in this regiment until i88y. when he received his discharge. 
Socially he is a member of the Orange Club. Fraternally he is a member 
of Bethel Lodge. F. & A. M. of New York. Politically he gives his sup- 
port to the Republican party on national issues, but in local affairs his views 
are independent. 

Mr. Taylor was united in marriage on November 3d, 1880. to Miss Ella 
Garner, daughter of Powhattan Monroe and Mary Adaline (Bence) Garner 
They have one daughter Luella, who was born in New York August 21st, 
1 88 1. Mrs. Taylor is considered a most amiable lady by all that know her and 
the gracious hospitality of her home is extended to their many friends. 



S. C. Q. WATKINS, D. D. S. 

This is an age of progress, and America is the exponent of the spirit of 
the age. In the beginning of the past century our country was in its infancy, 
and history shows no parallel of its growth and achievements. Xo- other 
country has made as great advancement in the lines of science and mechanical 
invention, and the superiority of her inventions has been widely recognized, 
awakening the admiration of the world. In this steady growth and development 
which have characterized the age, the science of dentistry has kept pace with 
the general progress, and in that direction Dr. Watkins stands among the 
foremost. He has been a leader in thought and action in the world of den- 
tistry, and his investigation, experiments and comprehensive understanding 
have enabled him to bring before the scientific world many valuable truths 
in relation to the profession, and successfully put them to the practical test in 
the operating room. The old lines of usage he has broken down, and in 
broader fields of usefulness and practice he has led a large following. 

Dr. Samuel Charles Goldsmith Watkins is a native of Ontario. Canada, 
hisbirthhavingoccurredin Ashgrove. Halton county. on the 27th of IMarch, 1853. 
He is a son of Dr. Charles W. and Harriet (Beckwith) Watkins. The an- 
cestral history of the family shows that the Watkins, lived first in Wales, 
afterward in England, and subsequently founded the Irish branch of the family. 
They were people of prominence and left the impress of their individuality upon 
every age. The family represents in the female line the ancient and distin- 
guished house of \'aughan. of Golden Grove, the ancestor being Hugh 
Vaughan, Esquire, Kidwelly, gentleman usher to King Henry VII, in 1497. 

A descendant of the English branch of the Watkins family accompanied 
Cromwell to Ireland as a member of his military staiif, and for military services 
rendered was assigned lands in county Monahan, where Humphrey Wat- 
kins, the great-great grandfather of Dr. Watkins, was born and where he 
lived to attain the remarkable age of one hundred and four years. From the 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 405 

county mentioned, Samuel Watkins, the great-grandfather of the Doctor re- 
moved to county Kings, where he died at the age of ninety-six years. His 
son, Samuel Watkins, who died at the age of eighty-nine years and six months, 
was likekise a native of the Emerald Isle, whence in 1819 he emigrated to 
America to accept a government position. He had indorsements and let- 
ters of introduction from the Earl of Ross to the Duke of Richmond who was 
at that time stationed at Quebec. Soon after his arrival, through the in- 
fluence of, the Duke of Richmond, he received a grant of the largest tract of 
land ever given to one man, on condition of his settling at Little York, now 
Toronto, Ontario. He thus became the founder of the Canadian branch of the 
Watkins family. 

The Samuel Watkins above referred to distinguished himself as a colonel 
in the Irish rebellion of i/yo, and also in the supression of what is known as 
the McKenzie rebellion of 1835, in Canada. For his services he was awarded 
a colonelcy in the Canadian forces. His son, Charles W. Watkins, father of 
the Doctor, took a prominent part in resisting the Fenian raid into Canada, 
in 1866. He married Harriet, daughter of George Beckwith, who was a lieu- 
tenant in King George's private regiment and body guard, being a resident 
of Yorkshire, England, and living to the venerable age of ninety-eight years 
and six months^ He was a grandson of Lord George Beckwith. a colonel in 
the British army. This very ancient family originally bore the name of 
MaJbie or jMalbysse, being lineally descended from the marriage ■'tenip," 
Henry III, of Hercules de Malbie, grandson of Sir Sinion (Simon?) de Mal- 
bie, lord of Cawton, in Craven, with Beckwith, one of the daughters of Sir 
William Brice, lord of Skilton Castle in Cleveland, a noble Xorman knight, 
ancestor of the Bruces of Scotland. 

A family legend dating from the time of Cromwell (1649) states that dur- 
ing the vigorous fight between the Protestants and Catholics in which the 
former were victorious, a Catholic priest was sheltered and secreted by one 
of the ladies of the family in this line of Watkins descent. On the day 
following the Catholics routed the Protestants and drove them over the banks 
of the river Ban. The plucky woman referred to drew near to the priest, and 
extending her hand in token of salutation, immediatel}' grasped the hand of 
the priest and dragged him into the river, both perishing together. 

Dr. Samuel C. G. Watkins spent his early life amid the surroundings of 
the farm, and acquired his elementary education in the conuiion schools of 
the neighborhood. When fourteen years of age he accompanied his parents 
on their removal to Detroit, Michigan, and two years later he went to Boston, 
where, having determined to make the practice of dentistry his life work, he 
entered the olifice of a well known practitioner, who carefully directed his 
studies. He obtained a fair start in life, but sufTered an almost irreparable 
loss by being burned out in the great fire in Boston in 1872. All his material 
possessions were gone, but there still remained to him a resolute spirit and 
unlimited perseverance, and he at once set to work to retrieve his lost posses- 
sions. He began life anew, spending all his spare time in attending lectures 
in the Boston Dental College, wherein he was graduated with honor in the 
class of 1875. 

The following year Dr. Watkins established an office in Montclp = " n-.d 



4o6 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

soon acquired an extensive practice among the best class of residents. He 
has a finely appointed office, fitted up with the most modern appliances known 
to the science, and in every way he has kept progress with the improvement 
that is continually being made in the methods of dentistry. He has ever 
been a close student of the profession, and is an original thinker whose in- 
vestigations have resulted in practical benefit. He has made contributions 
to the dental literature of the country which are valuable, especiallv concern- 
ing the treatment of children's teeth and the use of amalgam in filling. He 
is the inventer of a sectional head-rest for dental chairs, which bears his name, 
and is so much appreciated by the profession that it has caused a complete 
revolution in head-rests, and he has also made other valuable contributions 
for facilitating the work of his profession. His inventions include trimming, 
finishing and amalgam instruments, which likewise bear his name; also a. 
inachine for making tapering screws, while the Watkins tooth-brush is recog- 
nized for its absolute superiority. He has also devised a dental record-book, 
whose system of entries is simple and effective, which is well thought of by 
the profession. 

He has received many honors from his professional associates and is 
accorded the position of one of the foremost representatives of the science of 
dentistry in the east. In 1886. he was unanimously elected president of the 
Alumni Association of the Boston Dental College. The same year he was 
elected president of the Central Dental Association of Northern New Jersey, 
of which he was one of the founders in 1880. and has been chairman of the 
executive committee for many years. In 1889, he was made president of the 
New Jersey State Dental Society, and has also been a member of the executive 
committee for a number of years. He is a member of the First District Dental 
Society of New York, and of the Odontological Society of New York. In 
1879, he became a member of the American Dental Association. In 1891, 
he was made second vice-president of that society, and was re-elected in 1892 
and 1893. The following year, at Old Point Comfort, he was elected first 
vice-president, and in 1895, ^^'^s acting president. He was a member of the 
clinic committee of the World's Columbian Dental Congress: also chairman 
of tlie state committee of New Jersey, and it was in his office that the first 
steps toward the Columbian congress were taken, and he presided at the first 
meeting held in New York City, in April, 1890. He is a member of the 
National Dental Association, also an honorary member of the New England 
Dental Association and the Southern Dental Association. He has filled the 
chair of lecturer on operative dentistry in the New York Dental School of 
the University of the State of New York. 

Wholly absorbed in the duties of his profession. Dr. Watkins has had but 
little time to devote to local affairs. However, he took an active interest in 
the organization of the fire department; was a charter member of Hook and 
Ladder Company No i, and is now on the list of exempt firemen, having 
served for nine years in that capacity. He is a director in the Montclair 
Savings Bank, and a member of the executive committee of the Love Me- 
morial Library Association, but outside of these business connections his time 
has been mostly devoted to his chosen vocation 

In May, 1878, the doctor married Miss Alarv Yarrington Doremus, 



..Via 





'/)u^ 



')- 






m^ b 



rt 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 407 

•daughter of Philip Doremus. one of the most prominent citizens of Montclair. 
By this marriage there are three children, namely: Philip Doremus, Anne 
Yarrington and Lawrence Beckwith. In 1879, the doctor erected a residence 
on Fullerton avenue, which was destroyed in 1885. Soon afterward, how- 
ever, he rebuilt on the same location. His office is in the lower story of his 
residence, and is adorned with a large collection of curios, in which he takes 
great pride and delight 

Sociallv he was one of the charter members of the Montclair Club and one 
of the early members of the Athletic Club, and for several years a director in 
the Montclair Glee Club; also a member of the board of trustees of the Trin- 
ity Presbyterian church. A gentleman of intellectual endowments, of culture 
and high personal worth, he has gained distinction in professional circles and 
Avon the high esteem of all with whom he has been l^rought in contact. 



JOHN W. RUSSERT, 



Of New Brunswick. New Jersey, born in Manheim. Germany. October 20th, 
1849, is the son of John B. Russert. who was a prominent brewer in ]\Ian- 
heim, Germany. 

John \V. Russert attended school until fourteen years of age. He then 
began his apprenticeship in his father's establishment. Here he acquired that 
practical knowledge of the business which has proved so important a factor in 
his subsequent career. 

In 1868, at nineteen years of age he came to America, seeking a broader 
field for the employment of his energ}- and industry. Upon reaching America, 
he first located in Keokuk, Iowa, there finding employment. Subsequently 
he traveled extensively throughout the west, and was associated with various 
brewing establishments. In 1875, he returned to Germany for a brief period. 
For a number of years Mr. Russert was associated with the Empire Brewery, 
of New York. From 1887 to 1896, he operated successfully a brewery at 
La Porte, Indiana. In May, 1898, he purchased the Rock Spring Brewery, 
of New Brunswick, New Jersey, which he now operates. The products of 
his establishment have a wide and growing reputation, and his business is 
rapidly increasing. The same year he erected a factory in New Brunswick 
for the manufacture of artificial ice upon a large scale, and equipped with every 
modern facility for manufacture. 

Mr. Russert is a member of the Brew Master's .Association, of New York. 
He is also a member of the Elks, and is a Democrat in politics. 

In the year 1875, during his return to his native land. ^h. Russert married 
Miss Bertha Schero, a native of Manheim. They have had seven children, 
four of whom are living, Marie, Otto, Bruno and Bertha. 



4o8 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

COL. JOSEPH W. AND WILLIAM F. ALLEN. 

William F. Allen, manager of the National Raihva_v Publication Company, a well 
known resident of South Orange, was born at Bordentown, N. J., and is the 
son of the late Colonel Joseph Warner Allen, a distinguished citizen of New 
Jersey, who was prominent in political, military and railroad circles of the 
State, and who at the time of his death was Colonel of the Ninth Regiment 
of New Jersey Volunteers. Colonel Allen was born near Bristol, Pennsylvania, 
on July 22d, 1811, and came of an old Pennsylvania family that settled in that 
state as early as 1681. He was a civil engineer by profession and distinguished 
himself in that line. His first service in engineering was a rodman on the 
construction of the old Delaware Division Canal. He was engaged on the 
construction of the Camden and Amboy railway at Bordentown, New Jersey, 
where he was married, and where he made his permanent residence. Subse- 
quently he was engaged on the construction of the Grand Gulf and Port Gib- 
son railroad in Mississippi, the Baltimore and Ohio railroad in \'irginia, the 
Paterson and Ramapo and the Flushing (Long Island) railroads, as well as on 
numerous other public works, among which were the Dundee Water Power 
and Land Improvement Company, of Passaic, N. J., and the Hoboken Land and 
Improvement Company. The completion of the Bergen tunnel, now occupied 
by the Erie railway, was entrusted to his charge as chief engineer. Of an 
active and earnest, yet conservative and exceedingly well balanced temperament. 
Colonel Allen was naturally prominent in the politics of his State, and was 
twice elected to represent Burlington county, in the State Senate, and was 
the recognized leader of the Whig party in that body. His name was a num- 
ber of times prominently mentioned in connection with the office of Governor 
and of United States Senator. The high esteem in which he was held by 
prominent men of all parties was evinced by the action of the State Legis- 
lature at the time of his death. His body, and that of Surgeon Weller. was 
laid in state at the State House in Trenton, and all expenses attendant upon 
the return of his body from Hatteras, and of the miilitary funeral which followed, 
were borne by the State government. Colonel Allen was appointed Deputy 
Quartermaster General of New Jersey with the rank 01 Lieutenant-Colonel 
by Governor Charles Stratton. a position of honor, but without duties until 
Fort Sumter was fired on. From that time his best energies were devoted 
to the interests of his country. He rendered able and eflicient service as an 
aid of Governor Olden in equipping the three months men and also all the 
regiments of three years men enlisted previous to the formation of the Ninth 
Regiment. The moveijient which culminated in the formation of the Ninth 
Regiment was the result of an application made to Governor Olden to recruit 
a company for the regiment known as "Berdan's Sharp Shooters." Governor 
Olden asked Colonel Allen's advice as to the practicability of raising such a 
company. Colonel Allen stated that a regiment of riflemen could be readily 
raised, and the Governor immediately offered to obtain authority to recruit 
the regiment providing Colonel Allen would take command, to which the lat- 
ter promptly agreed. Recruiting was at once commenced, and from that time 
Colonel Allen devoted himself to the care of the regiment in the effort to make 
it in all respects the best one that had left the State. How well he was 




OOL. JOSEPH W. ALLEN 



^^^^^^^^^^P 4^^^3 


ml 


1 








^L 




^ J 



WILLIAM F. ALLEN 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 409 

seconded in this by his officers, and how well these efforts succeeded, the subse- 
quent history of the regiment testifies. 

The regiment at first consisted of twelve companies of one hundred men 
each, corresponding with the organization recently adopted in the armies of 
the United States. (It may be mentioned that the sword which Colonel Allen 
carried was presented to him by Governor Olden as a token of his personal re- 
gard and esteem). Colonel Allen was drowned off Hatteras Inlet, on January 
15th, 1862, while on the '"Burnside Expedition." A remarkable evidence of 
the lasting nature of the impression which he made upon the regiment is evinced 
by the fact that in 1864, after two years had passed, during which time many 
stirring events had been experienced, a noble monument w"as erected over his 
grave in Christ church yard at Bordentown, New Jersey, by the officers and 
men of the regiment. The monument is fifteen feet and six inches in height, the 
base being of Pennsylvania marble, and the shaft of white Italian marble. 
There are appropriate carvings in relief of flags, muskets, shield, and Alasonic 
emblems, with crossed swords r.nd an ivy and oak wreath. The inscriptions 
are as follows: 

"Joseph W. Allen, Colonel Ninth Regiment New Jersey A'olunteers, 
drow-ned at Hatteras, North Carolina, January fifteenth, 1862, in the fifty-first 
year of his age." 

"This monument is erected by the officers and men of the Ninth Regiment, 
New Jersey \'olunteers as a tribute of grateful respect to the memory of their 
first commander, who, while faithfully serving his country in the darkest hour 
of her peril, even to the sacrifice of his life, endeared himself to the hearts of 
his whole command." 

Colonel .\llen was an exemplary citizen, a self-sacrificing patriot, a devoted 
husband and a loving father. Of fine physical proportions and manly bear- 
ing, his personal characteristics secured the confidence and respect of all who 
knew' him. 

Colonel Allen was united in marriage at Bordentown, New Jersey, on 
November 27th, 1833, to Sarah liurns Norcross, who was born at Bordentown 
on April 5th, 1815, and came from an old New Jersey family on the paternal 
side, and on the maternal side from Nova Scotia, New York and New Jersey. 
Her death occured on March 30th, 1882. The following children were born 
to Colonel .Allen and wife: Berthea B., Allen Young, William Norcross, Joseph 
W. Jr., William F. and Edwin S. 

\\'illiam F. Allen was educated at the Model School at Bordentown, 
New Jersey, and the Protestant Episcopal Academy at Philadelphia, Penn- 
sylvania. On account of the death of his father, he left school when 
only sixteen years of age, and in May, 1862, he went to work as a rodman on 
the engineering corps of the Camden and Amboy Railway. In 1863 he be- 
came assistant engineer on the survey and construction of a branch from 
Jamesburgh to Monmouth Junction, New Jersey. During 1864-65, he was 
on the survey and construction of the Long Branch and Sea Shore railroad, 
and in June, 1866, he had charge of the party on the survey and construction 
of the Pemberton and Hightstown railroad, and subsequently was assistant 
engineer on the survey and construction of the Camden and Burlington coun- 
ties railroad. From February. 1868 to October, 1872, he was resident engi- 



4IO BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

neer in charge of maintenance of way of the West Jersey railroad. He also 
had charge of the track of the Cape May and Millville and Salem railways; in 
1870, he completed the Swedesboro railroad, and took charge of its track; 
was chief engineer on the first survey of the Woodstown and Swedesboro 
railroad; he surveyed and laid out the town site of Wenonah, New Jersey, 
making a survey there for water power; he made a survey for a branch from the 
West Jersey railroad to May's Landing, New Jersey: he made surveys for and 
rebuilt three miles of heavy work on the main line. 

In October, 1872, Mr. Allen was appointed assistant editor of the "Ofificial 
Railway Guide." and in June, 1873, he was appointed editor and business 
manager of its publishers, the National Railway Publication Company. 

In April, 1875, ^^^- Allen was elected secretary of the "General Time Con- 
vention," and in October, 1877, was elected secretary of the "Southern Railway 
Time Convention." These were united in 1886, and he was elected secretary 
of the organization, the name of which was changed in 1891, to that of "The 
American Railway Association." The system of standard time now in use in 
this country in the practicable shape in which it was adopted in November, 
1883, was devised by and proposed to the railway companies by Mr. Allen. He 
was appointed a committee of one on the subject by the General Time Conven- 
tion in October, 1881, and to him was assigned the duty of securing its adoption. 
His first report was made in April, 1883, and his final report was presented in 
Apriri884. The official history of his services in this connection is recorded in 
the recently published reprint of the "Proceedings of the American Railway As- 
sociation." covering, with its "Supplement," the period from 1872 to 1893, in- 
clusive. This system of standard time, based upon Greenwich Meridian 
time, has since been adopted on the continent of Europe, and is now in use in 
Holland, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark. Germany. Switzerland, Austro-Hungary, 
Italy. Bulgaria. Roumania and Turkey. It is also in use in Japan. Australia 
and the Argentine Republic. On the Suggestion of Mr. Allen it was intro- 
duced in 1899 by the United States Government in Puerto Rico and the Philip- 
pine Islands, and for military purposes in Cuba. 

Mr. Allen was appointed by President Arthur one of five delegates, on the 
part of the L'nited States, to the International Meridian conference held in 
Washington in October. 1884. The other American delegates were Rear 
Admiral C. R. P. Rodgers. Commander (now^ Rear Admiral.) W. T. Sampson, 
Professor Cleveland Abbe and Mr. L. M. Rutherford. At this conference, 
which was attended by the delegates of twenty-five nations, the meridian of 
Greenwich was adopted as the International Prime Meridian and Standard of 
Time Reckoning. 

In 1895, Mr. Allen was one of eight delegates of the American Railway 
Association at the International Railway Congress in London. England, where 
representatives from the railways of thirty-six nations were in attendance. 
He was also appointed a delegate to the sixth session of the same congress at 
Paris. France, September. 1900. 

Mr. Allen is president of the Knickerbocker Guide Company, treasurer of 
the American Railway Supply Company, secretary of the American Railway 
Association, vice-president of the Railway Equipment and Publication Com- 
pany, and vice-president of the New York Transfer Company. He is also con- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 411 

iiected with the American Raihvay Guide Company, the Mantua Land and Im- 
provement Company, the Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph Company, the Man- 
hattan Fire Alarm Company, and other corporations. 

Mr. Allen is a member of the .\merican ^letrological Society, the Ameri- 
can Society of Ciyil Engineers, the .American .\cademy of Political and Social 
Science, the American Statistical .Association, the .American Geographical So- 
ciety, the American .Association for the advancement of Science, the American 
Economic .Association and is an honorary member of "Die K. K. Geographische 
Gesellschaft." of X'ienna, Austria. He is also a charter member of the Ameri- 
can Railway Guild and of the Transportation, Lawyers, and Underwriters 
Clubs, and is vice-president of the South Orange Field Club, president of the 
Meadow Land Society of South Orange and a member of the New England 
Society of Orange and the Republican Club of East C)range. He is a mem- 
ber and one of the vestry of the church of the Holy Communion, Protestant 
Episcopal, and of the Masonic fraternity. 

Mr. Allen has been quite prominent and active in local affairs of South 
Orange, and has served one term as a member of the Board of Assessment, 
and one term as a member of the Board of Trustees of that village. 

Mr. .Allen married Caroline Perry Yorke, who was born at Salem. New 
Jersey, and is the daughter of Thomas Jones and Margaret Johnson (Sinnick- 
son) Yorke, natives of Salem, New Jersey. To Mr. and Mrs. .Allen have, 
been born the following children: Yorke, Frederick Warner, Eugene Yorke, 
born in Camden, New Jersey, and John Sinnickson. born in South Orange, 
New Jersey. 



JAMES T. BALL, 



Son of Horace W. and Elizaljeth Ball was born in Newark, New Jersey, July 
14th, 1846. 

The ancestors of Mr. Ball came to this countrx in 1665, and may be counted 
among the earlier settlers of the new land, Mr. Thomas Ball, from whom 
the family is descended, having set foot in America but a generation later than 
the Pilgrim Fathers. We find the Balls among the first inhabitants of New- 
ark, in fact Edward Ball, of Branford, Connecticut, was a signer of -the 
original papers of the town, and a holder of office in its earliest days. 

Mr. Ball, the subject of our sketch, was a pupil in the best private schools 
of Newark, but owing to the condition of health which forbade continued 
application to study, he was withdrawn from school, at an early age and sent 
abroad for change of climate and a hoped for restoration to health. Having 
spent a long period in travel, anfl with relatives in England, he returned to his 
native land greatly benefitted by his enforced absence. 

Having decided upon a mercantile life. Mr. Ball gave the best of his time 
and ability to the building up of a well managed and successful business house; 
entering the clothing business, he soon found himself one of the most promi- 
nent manufacturers and dealers in Newark. New Jer?e\- .which city is said to 
do "the largest manufacturing clothing business in the world." That this 



4i: 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



may be said, is due to men like ^Nlr. Ball, who have brought to this industry 
honesty, sagacity, skill and enterprise. Such men are blessings to any com- 
munity, and while unquestionablw and rightly so, the first thought of such 
men is for the best interest of their families and of themselves, it is impossible 
for any man to build up and maintain a large business interest, managed with 
honesty and in public spirit, and not profit the community where it is located. 
When business acumen promotes competition the better it is for the individual 
purchaser, and for the trade, both local and otherwise. Of a firm so managed 




TAMES T. BALL. 



(of which Mr. James Marshall was the honored senior partner) Mr. Ball was 
a member, beginning his business career at nineteen years of age, he gave to his 
large establishment his personal attention for over thirty years. A man of 
his word he put no article upon the market for which he was not personally 
responsible, and he was as well known, outside of his city, as a leader in his 
business, as he was so known at his own ofifice door. 

Mr. Ball was a man of social instincts, a genial companion, loved by friends 
and associates; he commanded a wide social influence and was a popular mem- 
ber of the leading clubs of his own and other cities. He belonged to the Essex 




JOSEPH COLYER 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 413 

and Republican cluljs, to the Essex County Club and to the Xew York Knick- 
erbocker and Chelsea clubs, he was a member of St John's Lodge. 

Mr. Ball was a member and a vestryman of Trinity Episcopal church. In 
church matters, as in public affairs, being always, in the highest sense, inter- 
ested, he served faithfully his church, his city, state and country as duty called. 
At the last Presidential election he was a member of the Electoral College and 
gave his vote for Mr. McKinley. 

In 1868 Mr. Ball married Mary F. Bunn. Their children now living are 
M. Isabel and Frederick W. Mr. Ball married, second, Mary Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of (leorge B. Jenkinson, of Newark, New Jersey. 

Mr. Ball was a member of the Board of Trade of the City of Newark, and 
was interested in various financial instittitions in his native city. Born of an 
ancient family, whose first representative came, as already stated, to Newark, 
in its earliest day, and who was town attorney, surveyor and later high sheriff 
of Essex, when that office was newly established. James B. Ball bore with 
honor the old name, and with fidelity worked for the best interest of the city of 
his forefathers. 



JOSEPH COLYER, 



Prominently connected with the business interests of Newark, New Jersey, for 
more than half a century, was born in Fairfield, New Jersey, April 28, 181 5, the 
son of Joseph Colyer and Elizabeth Parrett. His parents were both natives of 
New Jersey as were also his ancestors on his mother's side. 

Reared on his father's farm, Mr. Col\er knew in his early youth only 
the rigors of an exacting farm life, and received but a limited common school 
education. His father dying in 1831, when Joseph was but sixteen years of 
age, threw the youth upon his own resources, and the year following he removed 
to Newark, where he apprenticed himself to learn the blacksmith's trade. Hav- 
ing mastered the trade he worked' as a journeyman until he was twenty-five. 
During this period Mr. Coyler had acquired not only marked mechanical ability 
but an ambition to rise in a business of his own. He, therefore, in 1840, at 
twenty-five, started in the business of carriage building — a lousiness for which 
his previous training and his constructive talent had peculiarly fitted him. The 
business at that time established in Newark, and continued for the past fifty- 
nine years with uninterrupted success, has grown to the present widely known 
firm of J. Colyer & Co., makers r,f <^ne carriages, at the head of which Mr. 
Colyer still remains, his son, John Col_\-er, being associated with him in the 
business. 

During the growth and development of this enterprise, one of the most 
successful of its kind in the country, order and method in its entire conduct 
has been the rule, with the strictest attention to every detail, avid with the most 
rigid promptness in the fulfillment of every appointment and obligation. To 
these factors, coupled with his indomitable perseverance and the recognized 
quality of his work, Mr. Colyer owes his pronounced success. His dogged 
perseverance in accomplishing what he undertook, not simply because he un- 



414 r.ieiGivAriiK \i. ni^itiKV oi- xi:\\ jlkslv. 

ilertook it. is illustrated l>\ an iiicidiin in his larly life. \\alkin_y; with a frieiul 
aloni; the river road at Dundee. .\e\v |erse\. he saw a boat at tlie edjje of the 
river. He remarked to liis friend, "I am jioin«j out on the river in that 
boat." I'pon reaehing the boat it was found filled with water, ehained and 
fastened with a padloek. and without oars. To the friend the boat ride was an 
inipossibilitv. To .Mr. Colyer it was a problem, like hundreds of others met 
with in his subseipient career, to be mastertrl. In short order he had the boat 
unfastenid. emjitied of water, and with a fence rail had paddled to the middle 
of the river and back, rematkinjj as he climbed up the bank, i went out on 
the river in that lioat." The incident, in itself insignificant, discloses the secret 
of many of the successes of .\lr. Colyer's business career. 

The carriages manufactureil by .Mr. Colyer. and subseipiently by his firm, 
have a world-wide reinitation. They have been soM in in every State of the 
I'nion, from .Maine to California, in Australia and other foreign lands, and 
in number, if drawn out in line, would make an almost interminable jiroces- 
sion. 

In i)olitics Mr. Colyer has been a Republican since the organization of the 
part\. and has occupied a prominent business and social position in Newark 
for over half a century. With the excei>tion of three terms as .Mderman in 
the old Second W'anl. iluring which lime he was chairman of the l-"ire Conunit- 
tee for four years, and chairman of the ."street Connnittee one year, he has never 
though freiiuently importuned, held political office. .\ citizen of solid worth 
and commanding inflnence. wholesome and conservative, his ambitions have 
betn free from political aspirations. Devoteil closely to business, in the prose- 
cution of which he has travelled extensively, he still, at the ripe age of eighty- 
four, is well-preserved, remains at the head of the firm, and attends regularly 
to its affairs. 

He is a member of the Order of IVee Masons, and of the Newark lioani 
of Trade. In iStx;, under the pastorate of Rev. J. S. Chadwick he became a 
mendier of the Halscy Street .M. K. church, and has been officially connected 
with that church most of the time since. .\t the present tiiue he is president of 
its board of trustees. 

.Mr. Lolyer has been twice married. His first wife, who died in .\ugust. 
1S85. was the daughter of John .Morrison and Jane .Meeker, both natives of New 
Jersey. l'>y this niarriage he has issue five sons and two daughters, in order of 
birth as follows: Maria, now deceased, who was the wife of William D. F. 
Randtiljih: Isaac, who married .\nnie Heckman. both deceased: John, who 
married F.nmia L. Heinon: Io.se]>h. jr., who married Sarah Hevine: Charles, 
who married Carrie S. lireenhalgh: kdward H., who married Mary Ross, and 
Enuua J., who married Winfield Lyle. On March i.'th. 1870. the marriage of 
.Mr. Colyer to Klla \'. Jackson, was consunuuated. .Miss Jackson was a second 
cousin of Mr. Ldlyer's first wife, and a daughter of Charles and l-'liza .\ugusta 
(Mandeville) Jackson, of Newark, New Jersey, and a granddaughter of Thomas 
and .\nn Jackson, of London. Kngland. ( >n the maternal side she is the 
grandilaughter of John H. and Klizabeth .Mandeville. 

( >n the anniversary of his eighty-fourth birthday, celebrated .\pril 28. iSijo. 
Mr. Colyer gave a dinner to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchil- 
dren, — thirty in number — thirty-two in nuntber including himself and wife. .\ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 415, 

venerable jiatriarch, his years far beyond the allotted age of man, surrounded 
by his descendants to the fourth generation, Mr. Colyer, hale and hearty, still 
]iursninjj^ his business career, was the center of a memorable occasion rarely 
])aralleled in human exijcrience. .\ notable feature of the festivities was the 
recital in verse of the storv of Mr. Colver's life. 



HERMAN WALKER, 



Capitalist, born in New \'nrk City, April ji, 1850, is the son of Frederick Walker 
and liarhara Conrad, both natives of Iladen, Germany. His father at thirty 
years of atje, in 1848, left Germany for political reasons, locating in New York 
Citv. where he was a manufacturer and wholesale dealer in walking canes. In 
his a<l<.)pted country he became an active l\ei)ublican agitator, from the incep- 
tion of the Re])id)lican party. 

In i860 the family removed to GiUtenherg, \ew Jersey, where young 
Walker attended school until his fourteenth year when, as office boy, he entered 
his father's oiifice in New York City. , He quickly mastered the business and at 
seventeen years of age was entrusted with its entire management. Favorably 
located for land si)eculation in the vicinity of his home, and alert to improve 
every opportunity to increase his possessions, Mr. Walker early commenced to 
acquire real estate. Jn 1878 he went into the real estate business for himself. 
The northern i)art of ISergen county and the southern part of Hudson county 
held out unlimited promise of sooner or later becoming densely populated. 
Seeing the advantage that would accrue in rise of value, he made purchase after 
purchase until he became the largest owner of tracts of land now known as 
Ilighwood Park, Eldorado, Cirand \'iew, Hudson Heights, Bergenwood Park, 
and ClifTside Park, as well as of a large part of Union township adjoining Gut- 
tenberg. 

He was one of the originators of the famous pleasure resort, Eldorado, on 
the edge of the Palisades. To preserve the Palisades he originated the con- 
struction of a grand boulevard along the edge, making one of the most notable 
driveways, ])erhaps, in the world. lie is president of the North Hudson Land 
Company, and the .\'ew York and Rochester Steel Mat Company, and a large 
stockholder in a number of other corporations. In 1890 and '91 he was vice- 
president of the New Jersey State Fireman's .\ssociation. He is a member of 
the Cnion League Clul), the I''ranklin Club of Guttenberg, and the Lincoln 
Association of Jersey City, and. among other local societies, of the Royal 
Arcanum. 

He has been a Republican from bis youth. He was for twenty years a 
member of the Hudson County Rei)ublican C.eneral Committee, and has been a 
delegate to nearly every -State convention since 1871. Whenever a candidate 
for local office he has always been successful, although Guttenberg is a strong 
Democratic town. In 1878 he was assessor and clerk of the joint committee 
to set ofif the town from the townshi]) of Union; from 1878 until .April, 1886, 
he was town clerk; from 1881 to 1895 he was town recorder, with the e.xcei)tion 
of the year 1887, when he was chairman of the council; he was for four terms— 



4i6 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



1879 to 1899. justice of the peace; and was a nieniher of the Ijoartl of Council- 
men in 1886. 1887, 1897. i8y8. and was cliairinan of the hoard in 1886 and 1897. 
In August, 1875. Mr. Walker was married, at CiUttenberg, .\ew Jersey, to 
Diana Helen Marie, daughter of John Ik-hrens and Diana Kevstcrman. of Xew 
York City. They have six children: Rutherford H . Clarence 1'.. Thaddcus 
L., Aaron S. B.. Cvnthia \'. and \'ivian S. 



ALFRED S. BADCiLEY, 



Counselor at law and master in chancery of Montclair, is one of .\ew Jersey's 
native sons, his l)irth having occurred on a farm in .'^onlerset county, in 1849. 
The ancestral histo'v i- one of close coniKciion with the develo|)ment of this 




All RED S. BADGLEV. 



State. In colonial days ilie great-grandfather. George Badgley, came to 
America with Lord Ireland anfl fought against the liritish in the War of the 
Revolution. During that sanguinary struggle he was taken prisoner and held 
in captivity until peace was declared and .\merican indei)endence was cstab- 





C^.^'^^rL.' 




BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 417 

lished. The grandfather, Stephen Badgley, was a native of Xew Jersey, born 
in Ehzabethport, and married Catharine Denman, who was a hneal descendant 
of Sir Richard Townley. The father, AHred Badgley, Sr., was born in this 
State, and became one of the well-to-do farmers of Somerset county. He mar- 
ried Sarah JMoore, who was born in Xew Jersey, as was her father, Jacob Aloore. 
Her grandfather was also one of the heroes of the War of the Revolution, and 
the first American ancestor was Joseph Moore, who belonged to the valiant band 
of pilgrims who came to the shores of New England in the Mayflower. 

Alfred S. Badgley thus has back of him an ancestry honorable and dis- 
tinguished, and the lines of his own life have been cast in harmony therewith. 
He spent the great part of his youth in Somerset and Morris counties, where 
he attended the common schools, while later he pursued his studies in Pen- 
nington Seminary, where he was graduated in 1869. He then went to Ten- 
nessee, where he read law and was admitted to the bar in 1873. After 
engaging in practice for a time he entered the National University in the District 
of Cohmibia, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, 
in 1884. Returning then to Tennessee, he was appointed special examiner 
of the United States pension bureau, with headquarters at Bakersville, North 
Carolina. For two years he held that ofifice and upon his retirement again went 
■ to Tennessee, where he continued in the practice of law until 1887, when he was 
admitted to the New Jersey bar as an attorney, and in 1890, at the November 
term of court, in Trenton, he was licensed to practice as a counselor. Locating 
in Montclair Mr. Badgley soon took rank among the ablest representatives of 
the profession there. For the past eight years he has served as adviser and 
town attorney for the town of Montclair. 

In 1869, Mr. Badgley married ^liss Mary J. E. Simerley, a daughter of 
Elijah Simerley, of Hampton, Tennessee, and they now have three sons: Al- 
fred E., Theodore J., who is now with his father in the law ofifice, and Oliver K., 
a student at Princeton University. Thev also lost one daughter. Mary C, who 
died on the 24th of April, 1897. 

In his political views our subject is a stalwart Republican. He is a 
member of Montclair Lodge, No. 144 F. and A. M.. in which he is past master, 
and he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in 
which he is serving as a member of the official board. He is a member of the Su- 
preme Committee on Laws and Appeals of the Improved Order of Hepta- 
sophs. 



THE CHILDS FAMILY. 



"\\"illiam Childs, one of the old and highlv respected citizens of New Jersey, resid- 
ing at Basking Ridge, is native of New Jersey, and was born at Lebanon, Hun- 
terdon county, September 7. 1824. His parents were Frederick and Amy (Yaw- 
ger) Childs, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of Lebanon, Hun- 
terdon county, N. J. The father of Amy Yawger was William Yawger, while 
her mother's maiden name was Kershaw. William Childs was united in mar- 
27 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 419 

then removed to his present home at Basking Ridge. ^Nlr. and Mrs. Childs 
and family are members of the Basking Ridge Presbyterian church. 

Samuel S. Childs, of Bernardsville, New Jersey, and one of the founders 
and president of the Childs Unique Dairy Lunch Company, of New York City, 
was born at Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and is the son of William and Eliza- 
beth (Kline) Childs. He was reared on his father's farm and attended first 
the common schools, then the Alorristown. (New Jersey), High School, and the 
State ^lodel School at Trenton, New Jersey. He entered the United States 
Military School at West Point, by competitive examination, and spent one 
year as a cadet. He went West to Dakota for six months, and was joined 
later by his brother William, Jr., and after their return East he spent two years 
with his brother and founded what is now the Childs Unique Dairy Lunch 
Company, as mentioned in detail below. 

^\'illiam Childs, Jr., vice-president and General Manager of the Childs 
Unique Dair}- Lunch Company, of New York City, and a prominent resident of 
Bernardsville, New Jersey, was born at Basking Ridge, New Jersev. and is the 
son of William and Elizabeth (Kline) Childs. 

He was reared on his father's farm, and attended the common schools 
imtil he was seventeen years of age. After leaving home he went to 
the Dakota Wheat Fields, in order to learn if there was any future for him in 
that section of the country. He remained in Dakota for three months, working 
on a farm in order to earn money with which to pay board and traveling ex- 
penses, and then decided to return East, as the prospects did not appear invit- 
ing enough for him to locate in the West. Upon his return East he worked 
for a time as shipping clerk for a business house in the city. Later on an op- 
portunity presented itself for him to purchase a retail business, which he did, 
and after conducting it for two years and improving it, he sold the same, and 
then taught school for a while, until he was offered a position in a business 
house in New York City. In 1889 he formed a partnership with his brother, 
Samuel S., for the purpose of operating lunch rooms in New York City, opening 
the first store on a very small capital, which had been accumulated by the two 
brothers. In nine years time they had eleven stores in operation, with an in- 
vestment of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars, all of which had been 
realized from the business. The business so remarkably built up and developed 
w-as used for forming the Childs Unique Dairy Lunch Company, which is the 
largest business of its kind in the world. 

Mr. Childs is a member of the Masonic F"raternity, and of the Presbyterian 
church. 

Mr. Childs married Mary Agnes O'Neil, who was born in New York City, 
and is the daughter of ^Matthew and .Annie (White) O'Xeil both natives of 
Ireland. 



COL. MASON WHITING TYLER 

Was born June 17, 1840, in Amherst, Massachusetts, and is the son of Profes- 
sor William S. Tyler, who occupied the chair of ( Jreek in .Amherst College for 
sixtv vears. 



420 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

The earliest American ancestors of the Tyler family came to this country 
in 1640, when they settled in Andover. Massachusetts. The mother of the 
subject of this sketch was a descendant of Governor Bradford 01 the .Mayflower, 
and of Major-General John Mason, who commanded the expedition against the 
Pequot Indians in the war in which the tribe was exterminated. She is also 
a descendant of Rev. Jonathan Edwards, president of Princeton College and 
greatest of .American theologians. 

On the father's side the Tylers are descended from Rev. Thomas Thacher, 
who was the first pastor of the "Old South Church." Boston. Hon. Jeremiah 
Mason was a cousin of Colonel Tyler's grandfather, and .\aron Burr was a 
cousin of his grandmother, on his mother's side. His mother is a descendant 
of Governor John ( )gden, of Elizabeth, Xew Jersey; she is still living at the 
advanced age of seventy-seven years. His ancestors on both sides were con- 
spicuous in the history of the country from the earliest times. 

Colonel Tyler was graduated from .Amherst in the class of 1862. and imme- 
diately entered the army, enlisting in July in Company F, Thirty-seventh Regi- 
ment of Massachusetts \'olunteer Infantry. This company was raised by him- 
self and thereof he was made Second Lieutenant. From that office he gradu- 
ally rose, until he had held every command up to that of Colonel. His regi- 
ment belonged to the Si.xth Corps in the .\rmy of the Potomac: he was with 
Sheridan in the Shenandoah \'alley. and took part in all the engagements of 
his regiment until the latter part of March. 1865. when he was disabled by 
wounds. Colonel Tyler was wounded several times. In the battle of Win- 
chester his chin was pierced with a piece of shell, and when at Fort Stedman 
before Petersburg, in March. 1865, he was wounded in the knee, causing his 
first absence from the reigiment. He participated in thirty battles in all. His 
regiment was among the "three hundred fighting regiments of the war." and lost 
in its list of those who were killed or died of wounds twelve and seven-tenths 
per cent, of its entire number. 

At the close of the war Colonel Tyler entered Columbia College Law 
School, and later the office of Evarts. Southmayd & Choate, of Xew York. He 
.vas in this office two years as managing clerk, gaining a thorough knowledge 
of the profession. In 1869 he formed a partnership with General H. F. Tre- 
main. which practically still exists; General Tremain, as counsel, is connected 
with the present firm of Tyler & Durand. whose offices are in Xew York. This 
firm was engaged in many highly important cases, such as the Marie Garrison 
case, and the famous hat-material suit, which involved millions of dollars; the 
.•\. T. Stewart kid glove cases, the cases involving the rights of sugar importers 
to exemption from duties by reason of favored nation clauses in treaties, etc. 

Colonel Tyler is a director in the Rossendale. Reddaway Belling and Hose 
Company, of Xewark. Xew Jersey, and a director in the Columbus and Hock- 
ing Coal and Iron Company. He also was president at one time of the Cum- 
berland Coal and Iron Company. He is a member of the Union County 
Club, and Lawyers' Club, and Psi Upsilon Club of Xew York. 

Colonel Tyler was married in December. 1869. to Miss Eliza M. Schroeder, 
daughter of Rev. Dr. John F. Schroeder, formerly rector of Trinity church. 
Xew York. Mrs. Tyler's mother was a daughter of Hon. Elijah P.roadman. 
United States Senator from Connecticut. Thev have t^vo sons, William Sey- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 421 

niour and Cornelius Broadman. The family are members of the Holy Cross 
church. Colonel Tyler has resided in Plainfield since 1871. He has a fine 
residence in one wing of which he has his library, which contains a large col- 
lection of rare and valuable works. 

Colonel Tyler has served his city in two important offices, — one as mem- 
ber of Common Council, two terms; the other as member of the Board of 
Edtication, five years. He is a member of the Winfield Scott Post, G. A. R., of 
Plainfield, and of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, New York Com- 
mandery. He is also a member of the Society of Alay Flower Descendants, 
and of the Society of Colonial ^^'ars. He started the movement for a public 
library in Plainfield, has always been a member of the board, and is its presi- 
dent. 

Colonel Tyler was one of the early trustees of the Muhlenberg Hospital, 
serving as such several years. He was president of the Music Hall Association 
when the Stillman Music Hall was erected. He is a member of the Advisory 
Committee of the Children's Home, is also a member of the Town Improvement 
Association, and president of the Organized .\id Association of Plainfield, and a 
member of the New Jersey Historical Society. In all movements in behalf of 
public improvment he has been prominent. He was president of the Plainfield 
branch of the anti-race track association. He has drafted many of the city 
bills for presentation to the Legislature. 



NICHOLAS JACOBUS DEMAREST, 

Son of Daniel and Sarah (Jacobus) Demarest. was born in Newark, New Jersey, 
August 28th, 1833, and died in Newark, January, 1895. 

The family from which Nicholas J. Demarest was descended, represented 
one of very old Huguenot stock, whose first representative in America was 
David Des Marest, who came to this country with his three sons, in 1663, and in 
common with many of the gentry of their time, settled on -Staten Island. Daniel 
Demarest, the father of the subject of this sketch, lived in Parsii5])any, New 
Jersey, one of the old settlements of Morris county, but, shortly after his mar- 
riage in 1827, he came to Newark, where, as already stated, his son, Nicholas, 
was born. The boy received the best educational advantages, being a pupil 
of the Newark .Academy, at that time situated upon the site of the present post 
office. .\fter leaving the Academy further opportunities for study were given 
to the young man in Bloomfield and at Eatontown, New Jersey. 

Having graduated, Mr. Demarest entered into business with his father. 
Possessed of fine talent for the development of his chosen industry, Mr. Dema- 
rest soon had the satisfaction of knowing that the saddlery and harness estal:)lish- 
ment, in which he was interested, was fast becoming, as it ultimately was. one 
of the largest manufacturing concerns in the United States. Nor was the 
patronage which he received limited to his own country, he made and held a 
reputation for his goods, which brought then a market in other lands. Mr. 
Demarest became interested in the affairs, financial and social, of the city 
where he first began his commercial life, and never, after moving to Newark, 



422 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



in early nianliood. left that city. e.xce|)t as upon occasions, for business pur- 
poses or for seasons of rest and recreation. 

Mr. Deniarest represented the First Ward in the Common Council in 
1864-5, 3"d took always a warm interest in the best good of the city. He 
was for several years one of the directors of the Manufacturers' Bank, as he was, 
also, for a long term of years, a member of the American Agricultural Society. 
He had the honor of being an original member of the Prudential Insurance 
Company of .America, one of the foremost institutions of the world. 




NICHOLAS I. DEM.^REST. 



Mr. Demarest was a promoter of the North End Club and gave to the club 
the name which it holds. He was a member, and, for many years, secretarv of 
the ( ientlemen"s Driving Club at Wavcrly. 

The Church of Holland, or. as it is now called. '"The Reformed Church," 
was that of the early ancestors of the Jacobus family, and also has among its 
membership many of Huguenot blood. To this church Mr. Deniarest be- 
longed for many years, attending, from its establishment, the North Reformed 
Church of Newark. .-\fter changing his residence to the upper part of the city, 
he attended the Park Presbyterian church. Mr. Demarest will be remembered 
as a man of talent, and one devoted to his family, and the various undertakings 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 423 

to which he gave time and thought. .\ thorough and capable business man, 
-a man of social instinct and a kind friend. 

In 1855 ^Ir. Demarest married Ellen J., daughter of John DeGray Mer- 
selis, and Catherine (Garritise) Merselis. Mrs. Merselis was of Passaic, New 
Tersev. and belonged to a family who represented very large landed interests 
in that part of the country, she. together with her three sisters, owning not only 
the site now occupied by Passaic, but nearly all of the surrounding land, in- 
cluding Paterson Falls and Garret Mountain. 

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Demarest are: Catherine, born 1856; Sarah 
J., who died in childhood, and Daniel, born 1861, who married in 1889. Jessie 
McGregor, daughter of John McGregor. Daniel, died December ist, 1897, 
leaving a widow and three children. McGregor, aged seven years; Daniel 
Douglass, aged five years, and Helen, aged three years. 

Mr. Demarest continued in active connection with his business from the 
"time of entering it until his death. 

The business was carried on by his son Daniel, after the death of ^Ir. 
Demarest, and under his charge continued the reputation given to it by its 
founder. Owing to the failing health of Mr. Daniel Demarest it became neces- 
sary for him to withdraw from business life, and for that reason the good will and 
interest of the concern was sold out in 1897. 



HARRY Q. RUNKLE. 



Daniel and Elizabeth (Richey) Runkle, the parents of Harry Godley, were 
natives of \\'arren county. New Jersey. They are of German origin, their an- 
cestors having emigrated to the United States at an early period in its history. 
The ancestors of Mr. Runkle's mother were among the early settlers of Warren 
county, where they remained for several generations. 

Daniel Runkle. the father, was a prominent business man. He was presi- 
dent of the Warren Foundry at Phillipsburg. was president of the People's 
Gas Light Company, of Paterson. New Jersey; also a director in the Hacken- 
sack Water Company, and a director in the Phillipsburg National Bank. His 
home was in Asbury until his death, in 1890. ^Ir. Runkle's mother is still 
living. He has one brother living in Orange. New Jersey. 

Air. Runkle was born in 1858. and was reared in his native place, Asbury, 
Warren county, New Jersey, where in early youth he attended school, and sub- 
sequently was graduated from Charlier Institute, New York City. In 1877 
"he entered the office of the Gas Company in Jersey City, where he remained two 
years. He then went to Paterson, New Jersey, as treasurer of the People's Gas 
Light Company. Garret A. Hobart, the late vice-president of the L^nited 
States, was the president of this company. Mr. Runkle subsequently removed 
to Paterson. where he lived three years. In 1883 he removed to Plainfield, 
where he has since resided. He was made treasurer of the Plainfield Gas 
Light Company, and sometime later Mr. E. R. Pope and Mr. Runkle formed 
another corporation, called the Plainfield Gas and Electric Company, which 



424 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

purcliased the electric light jjlant and leased the gas company's work. He is 
now president of this company. 

Mr. Runkle is a director of the City National Bank and Dime Savings 
Bank, and also a director in the Water Company. He is treasurer of the 
Union County Club, of which he was one of the organizers and the first president. 

Mr. Runkle was married, in 1880. to Miss Jennie F. Rondolph, of Easton, 
Pennsylvania, a niece of the late Governor Randolph. They have two children, 
Daniel and Mary Gray. 

In politics Mr. Runkle is a Republican; he is. a member of the Crescent 
Avenue Presbyterian church. 



GEORGE ALFRED SQUIRE, 

Son of Samuel S. and Eliza A. Jones, his wife, was born in New York City, Sep- 
tember 29th, 1844, and received his education in the common schools of that 
city and Brooklyn. In early manhood he felt the call of patriotism, and served 
in the war as a member of Company I, of the celebrated Twenty-third Regiment 
of New York. Mr. Squire entered the employ of the Singer Manufacturing 
Company, where he remained for thirty-three years, since retiring from that 
concern, in 1892, he has been engaged in the lubricating oil business. While, 
for the past twenty years, ilr. Squire has given much attention to the affairs 
of the city of his present residence, Elizabeth, New Jersey, he has also been 
a resident, at other times, of Brooklyn and Bayonne City, New Jersey, and in 
early life, of New York City, as already stated. When in Bayonne Mr.Squire 
was unanimously nominated for the office of Mayor, but declined. Mr. 
Squire has been honored by election to tlie Board of Education and the City 
Council of Elizabeth, in both of which offices his record is well known and 
honorable. In November, 1897, Mr. Squire was elected, on the Re- 
publican ticket, to the Legislature of New Jersey, thus being again called upon 
to represent his party in a new and larger field of usefulness and power. In 
benevolent and church work Mr. Squire has taken much interest, and given 
both thought and time, as well as practical service, to the calls of each. In 
his church relations, Mr. Squire is a member of St. John's Episcopal church, 
of Elizabeth. In the Masonic Orders Mr. Squire holds a ven,- prominent place, 
being a member of Washington Lodge. No. 33, F. & A. M.; Washington Chap- 
ter, No. 16, R. A. .M.. and St. John's Commandcry. K. T., No. 9. all of Eliza- 
beth. He is also ser\ing St. John's Comniandery as its eminent commander, 
and is also a member and officer in the Ancient .Accepted Scottish Rite Bodies 
of Jersey City, a Noble of Mecca Temple, and for two official terms was Exalted 
Ruler of Elizabeth Lodge, No. 289, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of 
Elks. 

In public and private life Mr. Squire has always shown himself a man 
keenly alive to the best interests of his party and his fellow men, and as one 
an.xious, at all times, to further the well-being of his city and state. 

In social life he has lieen sought, as a member of various bodies and or- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



425 



ganizations. and to those which he has joined, the EHzabeth Athletic Club 
and the Suburban Club, he has given most efficient service. 

The surname of Squire is one ancient and honorable in the records of 
Great Britain, and belongs to families of importance in England and Scotland, 
from whom the Squires of this country are descendants 

The family of Mr. Squires" mother was among the early settlers of Staten 
Island, and bore a prominent place in the history of the wars of 1776 and 
1812. 




GEORGE A. SnUIKK. 



In 1863, :\Ir. Squire married :\Iiss Emma J. Schultz, daughter of James B. 
Schultz, of Brooklyn, New York :\Ir. Schultz came of Revolutionary stock. 
His family settled in the vicinity of Fort Montgomery, New York, and during 
the Revolution did noble service for their country's liberty. The ancestors 
of Mrs. Squire, a family of Huguenot origin, settled on Long Island, and also, 
during the Revolutionary War, took active part in the cause of freedom. The 
children of Mr. and Mrs. George A. Squire are: Ethel Summerfield, born 
in Brooklyn, New York, November 24th. 1873, and Grace Eugenia, born in 
Elizabeth, New Jersey, October 9th, 1877. 



426 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XFAV JERSEY. 

MENRV BARRETT CR05BY. 

The Crosby family in this counlry are of En^;lish descent, the name being 
■traceable as far back as the year 1204, the sixth in reign of King John. The 
etymology of the word is "town of the cross," the termination "by" in English 
towns being a Danish form of "burgh." or "borough." The towns so called are 
found in great numbers where the Danes formed their settlements, principally 
along the sea coasts of the north of England. it was common with the North- 
men to erect a cross where the settlement was made. 

The original ancestor of the family in the United States was Simon Crosby, 
who emigrated to this country in 1635. an<l settled in Massachusetts. 

Watson Crosby, father of the subject of this sketch, was born at Cape Cod, 
November 7, 1776. His mother was left a widow with seven small children, 
of whom he was the eldest. Having lost her husband and son at sea, she 
dreaded the effect of its fascination ui)on her boys, as it offered the only means 
of support on those barren shores. She, therefore, removed with her family 
to Battleboro, \ermont, where she bought a few acres of land and made her 
home, and where Watson grew up and lived until some years after his marriage. 
On November 4, 1804, he married Desire Bangs, daughter of Deacon Joseph 
Bangs, of Hawley, Massachusetts, a representative of an old New England 
family, whose ancestors can be traced back to the historic "Mayflower." Their 
children were: Olive, Ruth, Abigail, Miranda, Joseph B., Henry B., Jeremiah 
M., Charles H., and Frances Crosby. Mr. Crosby was engaged in farnung, 
and in the manufacture of shoes. He was a ])lain. hard working man, per- 
forming his duties faithfully, and achieved the rejnitation of an upright, honor- 
able citizen. He accumulated only a moderate competency, but lived to see 
all his children grow to manhood and womanhood, and enter into useful and 
honorable positions in the world. He died September 24, 1859, at the advanced 
age of eighty-three. 

Henry Barrett Crosby, the subject of this sketch, was l)orn in Battleboro, 
Vermont, April 13, 181 5, where he spent his earliest years and attended the 
district school. The family being large and their circumstances moderate, his 
advantages for educaticui were limited. He was early impressed with the 
necessity of earning his own living, and at ten years of age worked on the ad- 
joining farm of Deacon Russel Hayes, grandfather of ex-President Hayes, at- 
tending school, only in winter. .About 1827 the family moved to Springfield 
where young Crosby worked in a cotton factory at Cliico|)ee Falls, near that 
city, for about two years. He then entered the cmjiloy of .\mes Brothers, of 
Springfield, with the view of learning the business of paper making, which at 
that time was carried on extensively by hand: but the introduction of machinery 
for that purpose jnit a stop to his continuing at that trade. 

The family returning to I'.attleboro. he was thrown entirely upon his own 
resources, and went to work upon a farm in the outskirts of Springfield, receiv- 
ing fifteen dollars a month for his services. .\ farm life was unsuited to his 
mechanical taste, and in the autumn lie went to Woonsocket Falls, Rhode Is- 
land, where he worked in Cook it Grant's machine shop. It was common at 
that time for apprentices to spend three years learning a trade, but young 
Crosby was unwilling to take so much time before being entitled to wages, and 





^t^i^V^z? 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 427 

as especial favor made arrangeiiients to work six months for liis board. Hosea 
Ballou, manufacturer of looms in the same village, employed him the 
following eight months at one dollar per day. At the expiration of this time he 
returned to Chicopee Falls, and worked in a machine shop at making flvers for 
spinning frames for one year. In June, 1834. he returned to his old home at 
Battleboro", where he attended the academy for si.x months, and completed his 
limited education. Before leaving home again he purchased his minority of 
his father for two hundred and twenty dollars, gave his note for the amount, and 
in due time paid it with interest. He next went to Ware, Alassachusetts, where 
he worked in the machine shop of the Hampshire Alanufacturnig Company 
which was under the superintendence of Pliny Lawton, Air. Crosby and George 
Hitchcock, taking a contract to build flyers for the company's new cotton mill. 
Here he remained three years. In May, 1836, Mr. Crosby felt a desire to visit 
the "West." He crossed over to Albany, Xew York, by stage and reached 
Utica by way of the Erie Canal, remaining only long enough, however, to pay 
current expenses. Returning, he was taken very ill with fever at West Troy, 
which detained him for several weeks, reducing his strength and his resources 
to the lowest ebb. When sufficiently recovered he went down the rivef to 
Poughkeepsie, where his first work was the building of two engines designed 
for driving spikes in constructing a Southern railroad. This was in the win- 
ter of 1836-37, when the business capacity of the country had been expanded 
to the utmost and the final collapse was well nigh at hand. The business he was 
engaged in especially felt the reaction, and in the spring he determined to re- 
turn to Springfield, among old acquaintances. On board the steamer, near 
Hartford, he met his old friend. Superintendent Lawton. who persuaded Mr. 
Crosby to accompany him to Paterson, Xew Jersey, to engage in the manufac- 
ture of revolving guns and pistols, first introduced by Colt's patent about that 
time. 

This seeming accident proved to be the turning point in his life, and Pater- 
son became his permanent residence. He arrived there on .A.pril 23d, 1837, 
and on the 26th, began to work under Mr. Samuel Colt in the old Gun Mill, 
and took a contract for making portions of the lock work. He performed 
his work to the entire satisfaction of his employer, and even accompanied Mr. 
Colt to Washington and other places for the purpose of having his gun tested 
and accepted by the L'nited States Government, but owing to the failure of the 
enterprise, he was compelled to seek other employment. Being broken in 
health he spent one summer in Cape !\Iay, Xew Jersey, and in 1842, returned 
to Paterson with restored health. He determined to start a small grocery 
business temporarily. He reasoned that as there were no remnants of tea and 
sugar or getting out of fashion of groceries, he could sell out at any time, and 
when the prosperity of business would permit it he could return to his former 
occupation. Taking the few hundred dollars he had saved, he jjurchased his 
stock, and opened a store on Alain street near Broadway, on May 6th, 1843. 
His knowledge of trade was limited and he employed Mr. Lewis L. Conklin, 
father of ex-Postmaster Conklin of Paterson, to assist him. Xotwithstanding 
the gloomv prophecies of his friends, who predicted failure unless he should 
add the sale of liquors to that of groceries. Mr. Crosby achieved success from 
the beginning in his new enterprise, and in two years was compelled to seek 



428 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

more coniiiiodious quarters, which he obtained in the old \ an Lilarconi property, 
corner of Broadway and Main streets. He has made e.xtensive alterations at 
that place, and continued in trade there for a period of ten years. .At the 
expiration of tiiat time he purchased, of David Koe, the Main street portion 
of his present store, and subsequently boujjht the property directly in the 
rear, and facing on Washington street, where he estalilished his wholesale de- 
partment. He carried on one of the largest wholesale and retail grocery en- 
terprises in the State, and was recognized by all as "facile princeps" among 
the dealers in groceries of the City of Paterson. In 1867, he took into partner- 
ship his son, J. Henry Crosby, the firm being known as H. B. Crosby & Son. 
Mr. Crosby did the largest mercantile business in the city or county for more 
than thirty-five years, and at no time was a note of his protested, a check dis- 
honored, or did he fail to meet a payment the hour it was due. and during all 
the panics of those years he never paid less than one hundred cents on the 
dollar to meet all his obligations. 

Mr. Crosby gave up active business .April 2(1. 1888, the firm of Crosby, 
Ackerman and \'an Gieson taking the business, an<l since that time it can 
truthfully be said that he has devoted his life to the ])ublic good. 

The information for this sketch has been taken mostly from a large scrap- 
book belonging to the family. The newspaper clippings running through years 
speaks of Mr. Crosby as being at the front in nearly all pul)lic undertakings. 
He is called the "father of the Paterson Park system." FVoperty for public 
parks was bought by the board of .Aldermen March 19th. 1888, mostly through 
the efforts of Mr. Crosby, and he was api)ointed on the first conmiission, and 
for several years has been president of the Uoard of Park Commissioners. He 
was active in the formation of Cedar Lawn Cemetery, and was Grand Marshal 
during the dedication ceremonies, in 1867. He has been its president since 
1876. March 16th, 1882, he was elected vice-president of the Paterson Savings 
Institution and has held the office up to the present time. He has been one 
of the largest stockholders and a director t>f the First National Bank of Pater- 
son since its orginization. He was one of the organizers of the Paterson Board 
of Trade and is still a member. He is also one of the oldest members of the 
New York Produce Exchange and has belonged for several years to the Cham- 
ber of Commerce of the State of Xew York. 

In 1853 he built his present fine residence on the corner of Broadway and 
Paterson streets. His ideas of architecture were so far ahead of those prevail- 
ing at the time, that his present residence seems as if it had been built of late 
years. 

Mr. Crosby was married I-'ebruary 2~tli, 1840. to Pauline F., youngest 
daughter of Thomas W. Hathorn. of Paterson, who died January 27th, 1872, 
leaving four children. Her grandfather was General Hathorn, a warm patriot 
of Revolutionary times. He was an officer on General Washington's staff, 
and a member of the first .American Congress. Their children were Josephine 
A., born January 8th. 1842, and married June T4th. 1865, Samuel .A. .Allen, 
a wool manufacturer, now deceased. Mrs. .Allen died December 31st. 1896, 
leaving four children. Pauline, who married .Alexander Murray, of Little 
Falls: Maude, Henrv Crosbv .Allen, an attornev in Paterson. and .*>amuel Mor- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 429 

gan Allen, who married Katherine (Jrr, of Xewburgh, New York, April lyth, 
iSytj. 

John Henry Crosby, born September 23d, 1844, married Mary H. Crowell, 
daughter of Hon. Joseph T. Crowell. of Rahway, New Jersey, on September 
5th, 1866. They have three children, all living: Henry C, Lillian and 
Joseph A. 

Annie Louise was born July 14th, 1847. and married Isaac Newton, Feb- 
ruary 9th, 1870. They have four children, all living in Paterson: Josephine 
C, George H., Walter R., who married Alary Senior, of Paterson, New Jersey, 
June, 1898, and Henry Crosby married Mrginia A. Nelson of Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania, November ist, 1899. Isabelle, the youngest, was born July 
4th. 185 1, and died April 2d, 1897, having been most of her life an invalid. 

Mr. Crosby was again married to Harriet E. Rogers, of Cornwall, Connecti- 
cut, a descendant of good old Puritan stock, on her father's side from Rev. 
John Rogers direct, and from well known Huguenot stock on her mother's 
side. Their children are Henry Barrett Crosby, Jr., born September 8th, 
1876, now taking an architectural course in Columbia University, in New York, 
and Florence Lyon, born January lyth, 1876, now living at home. 

Mr. Crosby was brought up in good old New England Congregationalism, 
but he identified himself in Paterson, with the Baptist church, and was a large 
contributor to, and active in the formation of the First Baptist church, and 
when it was dedicated, January 31st. i860, he rented pew 91. which he has 
occupied ever since, or nearly forty years. 

At the age of eighty-four Air. Crosby enjoys good health for one so ad- 
vanced in years, and daily, excepting in extremely bad weather, takes his walks 
or carriage rides. He loves to go over the past with his friends and visitors. 
Among the acts of his public li"e was that of being a delegate to the convention 
in Chicago that nominated Abraham Lincoln, and it has been one of the proudest 
events of his life that he cast his vote for "old Abe," as he was then know^n. 

After so many years of great activity, Air. Crosby lays down the burdens 
of business and public cares, so far as he can. and intends the remainder of his 
days shall be given to the enjoyment of home, family and friends. 

\\'e can truthfully say that few men can look back over a long life, and 
see so much done, and so little to regret, as can the suliject of this sketch. 



ELMER W. DEMARE5T. 



Elmer Wilson Demarest, LL. B.. member of the Assembly, 1896-97, 
and a well known lawyer of Jersey City and Bayonne, was born in Eastwood, 
Bergen county. New Jersey, May 13th, 1870. He is the son of Abram J. and 
Eliza Wilson Demarest. On his father's side he is descended from the original 
French Huguenot stock who arrived in America in about 1636. and settled 
in New York, but later removed to New Jersey. 

Mr. Demarest had the usual juvenile advantages afforded by the 
public schools of Bergen county, and subsequently attended Rutgers Pre- 
paratory School, New Brunswick, from which he graduated in 1887. He next 



430 



BIOGR.APHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



attended Coliinihia College. New York, and received the degree of LL. B. in 
1892. After graduating from Cohiinljia lie began the profession of law with 
De Witt \'an Buskirk, Esquire, of Hayonne, and continued with him from 
January to September 1st, 1889; and from that date until I-'cbruary 1st, 1892, 
he continued his studies and post graduate practice with Horace Roberson, 
Esquire, of the same place, both leading men in their profession at Bayonne 
and in the county. After this i)reliminary reading and preparation, Mr. Dema- 
rest attended the Columbia Law School. New York, and graduated therefrom 




ELMER \V. DE-M.^REST. 



in June, 1892. after a course of study extending from Se])tember. 1889. In 
February, 1892. he was admitted to the bar of New Jersey, as an attorney by the 
Supreme Court, and in June, 1895, he was admitted as a counselor. 

Politically. Mr. Demarest early identified himself with the Republican 
party and became a member of the Bergen county Executive Committee in 
1892-03. He has been a member and vice-president of the Hudson county 
Republican Committee since 18*^3. Recognizing his thorough knowledge of the 
law, and his fitness for legislative reasoning and discussion, the Republican 
party nominated Mr. Demarest for the House of Assembly at a convention 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 431 

lield in October, 1896. He was elected by 3,942 majority and has abundantly 
filled the expectations of his friends and the public by his able and consistent 
course in the Legislature. Indeed, he exemplifies the doctrine recently pro- 
mulgated by Governor Griggs and others, that legislators should have special 
training before they are elected to represent the people in making laws; and as 
the Republican party has long been in minority of the whole vote of Hudson 
county, it is well that its representatives in the Legislature should be especially 
qualified for critical discussions and revision of the numerous bills always flood- 
ing the ways of every session. 

The special session of the Legislature in 1897, was marked by the con- 
sideration of the Judiciary Amendment, espoused and championed by Hon. Fos- 
ter M. V'oorhees, of the Senate (now Governor) and by Mr. Demarest in the 
Assembly. When this comprehensive measure came up in the House, Mr. 
Demarest in an impromptu speech of over an hour, distinguished himself by his 
lucid discussion of the theme involved and showed the advantages and resources 
of his legal acumen before referred to. The "Evening Journal,'' in one of 
its issues containing the debate said in head lines: "A Gallant Attempt Made to 
Save the Judiciary Amendment in Which Demarest Distinguished himself, but 
the Lobby was too .Strong and There Will be Xo Change in the Judicial Sys- 
tem." In reply to the resolution, that the special session should not be open 
to "new legislation", and that other, if any such legislation should be enter- 
tained, should take precedence over the Judiciary resolution, Mr. Demarest 
(and we have room but for a few quotations), gave reasons of uncommon 
cogency and wide application to the contrary. A reflective mind, with a well 
stored memory is evidenced in the following, which also shows that good 
judgment of words and their economical use so important in legislative de- 
bate: ("Evening Jotirnal"' Report). 

" Clerk Parker read part of it when the Speaker's gavel fell and the reso- 
lution was declared out of order. 

"Demarest then renewed his motion for the adoption of his resolution in- 
cluding the \'oorhees amendment. There was no opposition, and Clerk Parker 
finished reading it from where Assistant Clerk Lyons had been shut ofif. This 
took some time, and when it had been read Demarest moved a suspension of the 
rules to place the resolution on final passage. 

"This brought Gledhill to his feet with a point of order. He claimed that 
inasmuch as the Legislature of 1897 had already rejected this amendment, it 
could only be acted upon as new matter, and would have to be acted upon by 
a succeeding Legislature. 

" The chair ruled that the point of order was not well taken. 

"Gledhill persisted and read from Cushing's manual to sustain his posi- 
tion. He claimed that the sine die adjournment had disposed of all pending 
legislation, and it could not now be revived. 

"Demarest in reply said: 

" "I do not believe that any legislative code can limit or interfere with 
the State Constitution, and it is our guide. Any action taken at the former 
session was taken on a concurrent resolution, and this is not a concurrent reso- 
lution, but a simple House resolution, new and distinct from previous propo- 
sitions. Article nine of the constitution provides that any s-pecific amendment 



432 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JliRSEV. 

may be proposed at a session of the Legislature, and after being agreed to shall 
be advertised and shall then he suhnntted to the next Legislature thereafter 
chosen. So far as these ainendineiits are concerned this is the Xext Legis- 
lature. W'e are still the Legislature of 1897. The constitution does not 
provide that a concurrent resolution shall he agreed to. but the proposed amend- 
ment. The two houses may vote on any i)roposition separately, and if a major- 
ity of the members of each House agree, the i)r(jp(jsition will be accepted by 
the Legislature. This is not a bill, it is a proi)osition to submit a proposed 
amendment of the constitution to a vote of the people. There is no guide for 
doing this excejU that (provided in the i;onstitution, and there is no rule, no 
law, to prevent the Legislature from doing it.' 

'"Gledhill still raised his point of order, and Thorne of Mercer said the 
\'oorhees amendment was rejetttd on March 2yth, and a motion to reconsider 
was lost on March 30th. therefore it could not be reconsidered now. 

"The chair ruled him out of order, and Demarcst renewed his mniion. for 
a vote on his resolutions. 

"The speaker put the motion and stopped for an\- remarks that might be 
made. 

"Demarest rose again and said: 

" "The Republican party, by wise legislation, obtained a place in the hearts 
of the peo])le and was given charge of the lawmaking power. I do not mean 
to go into the details, but I wish to call attention to the fact that in 1895 the 
people elected a Republican majority in the Legislature by a popular majority 
of twenty-eight thousand — elected the members to do something. The jieople 
were satisfied, and sent this Legislature here by a majority of eighty-six thous- 
and. The Legislature elected in 1895 passed these amendments in the winter 
of 1896, and they were duly advertised according to law. The people were 
satisfied and again elected a Repul)lican Legislature by an unprecedented major- 
ity. This was an indorsement of the amendments. The people want to have 
a chance to vote on them. The bar is more nearly united on this plan for re- 
forming the courts than upon any other. We have had two plans proposed. 
One was considered in the Johnson amendments, which have failed, and the 
other is embraced in these amendments I jirefer the Johnson plan, but a ma- 
jority of the members of the bar has agreed that this is the best jilan. and the bar 
is the body most directly interested in the proposed change. * * * \\'e are go- 
ing to put the people to the expense of a special election, and we are asked to 
keep back from them the most important amendment. It is true that many law- 
yers are satisfied with the existing system. l)ut there are more who are not satis- 
fied, and we should listen to the majority. By passing this resolution we 
will not amend the constitution. We will not take away anything the people 
now have, we will sacrifice no right: we sim])ly give the ])eople a referendum.' 
As a matter of practical jiolitics, as a matter of duty to the jmblic, we should 
pass this resolution." 

When the writer first read the al)ove consensus of fundamental law as ap- 
plied to the Legislature, and saved the paper containing it, he had no thought 
that the speaker was hardly in his twenty-sixth year, or that it was his first 
term in the arduous work of lawmaking. As a reference, alone, the remarks 




C. LINCOLN DiWITT 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 433 

of ^Ir. Demarest, such as space will allow of, are decided worthy of record in 
these pages. 

j\Ir. Demarest is a resident of Bayonne, where he is interested in all that 
pertains to the social and charitable well being of the community. His career 
in public life, so brilliantly begun, can only progress, in his case, at all events, 
to a more rounded and still more useful and widespread application for the 
public good. 

On the ninth day of Septenilier, 1896. Mr. Demarest married Miss Blanche 
Adeline Bristow, daughter of ^^'alter W". and Mary J. Bristow, now of Bayonne 
but formerly of Birmingham, England. 

Mr. Demarest is a member of the Hudson county Republican Connnit- 
tee, the Bayonne City Republican Committee, the New Jersey Athletic, Palma, 
and several other clubs and societies of Hudson county. 



C. LINCOLN DE WITT. 



Among the many old families who, about the middle of the seventeenth 
centurv, sought the shores of the New World, none had been more distinguished 
in political and social life, none had numbered in its ranks more noted men 
than the De Witts. 

Natives of Dordrecht, one of the oldest burgher towns of Holland, and in 
later years dear to art as the birthplace of Cuyp and Ary Scheffer and to theology 
as the meeting-place of the Synod of Dort, the Geschlacten von Dordrecht, 
in the Royal Library at the Hague, gives the descent of the DeWitt family 
in an unbroken line from the year 1295 to 1639. 

Some of the names served under William the Silent and were zealous 
supporters of the revolting provinces against Spanish oppression. After the 
death of John of Barneveldt, Jacob De\\'itt succeeded to the high honors of 
"Land Advocate of Holland." His son Cornelius, the burgomaster of Dord- 
recht led an attack against the British fleet, burning their ships and advancing 
up the Thames caused consternation in the very heart of London. Another 
son. John DeWitt, one of the most distinguished men in the history of the 
Netherlands, became Grand Pensionary of Holland during the period between 
the separation from Spain and the opening of the Thirty \ ears \\'ar. 

The familv emigration to the colony of "New Amsterdam" began about 
the year 1639,' Andries and Tjeck Clans' De\Mtt located at Esopus in Ulster 
county. New York, about 1648, and became the progenitors of the Ulster branch 
of the familv. Some of the representatives followed the line of settlement 
through the Manakating and Minisink regions and have since been numerously 
represented in that section. 

Moses DeWitt son of Jacob and Leah De\Mtt was born October 23d, 
1761. He served in the war at Minisink against the Indians and held the 
office of captain. At the close of this struggle he located in \\'antagc town- 
ship. Sussex countv. New Jersey where he passed his days as a farmer, being 
one of the pioniers of Wantage.' Jacob W. DeWitt, son of Moses and Mar- 

28 



434 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTURY OF NEW JERSEY. 

garet DeW'itt was born on the lionicstead of his lather on Xovember 27th, 
1804. On February 3d, 1830. he was united in marriage to Plioebe, daughter 
of Constant and Lydia A. Fuller of whom the following children were born: 
Lydia A. born December 30tli, 1830; Constant F., born .March 2yth, 1833. died 
May 27th, 1867; -Miranda L., born February 22d, 1835. married Alfred Hardin, 
died January 8th, 1876; Theodore, father of the subject of this sketch, born 
July 9th, 1837; Sarah Naomi, born July 31st, 1841 ; Emma A., born December 
5th, 1843, '''*^tl May 20th, 1852: Margaret, born June 14th. 1846, widow of 
Dr. Lewis W'estfall; Moses J.. Ixjrn .April 30th. 1849, a graduate of Princeton 
College in 1870. and the senior jKirtncr in the law firm of DeW'itt & Provost, 
Newark, New Jersey. 

Theodore DeWitt married on July ijth. 1862. Martha Melissa Wilson and of 
this union six sons were born: Clarence \\'., bom .August 26tli. 1865; Jacob I., 
born January 21st, 1867, died March 3d, 1867; Herbert .M., born July 14th, 
1868; Constant Lincoln, born August 18th, 1870; Edwin D., born January- 8th, 
1874; Eugene T., born August 17th, 1876. 

The maternal ancestors of the subject of this sketch were of Scotch ex- 
traction, the pioneer of that family being Andrew Wilson, who was a com- 
missioned officer under George III and to whom was granted a land patent in 
Wantage township. 

Constant Lincoln DeWitt was reared on the old homestead in the beautiful 
\\'alkill valley in Wantage townshi]). Sussex county, and during his boyhood 
days attended the country district school. At the age of fourteen he en- 
tered a private school at Deckertown, New Jersey, and there prepared for 
Princeton where he matriculated at "the age of nineteen. During his college 
course he was an active member of the Cliosophic Society and was one of the 
editors of the Nassau Herald during his senior year. 

Immediately after graduation in 1893, he accepted a position as teacher in 
the Freehold Institute at Freehold. Monmouth county. New Jersey. .After 
teaching one year. Mr. DeWitt went abroad and visited several of the Continen- 
tal L'niversities. staying some time at Heidelberg University. Germany. On 
his return from abroad he entered the New York Law School, where he gradu- 
ated with honors in May, 1896 and one month later on June 8th, 1896 he was 
admitted to the New Jersey bar. During the first year of his practice he re- 
mained with the firm of DeWitt & Provost, but in October. 1897. he opened 
an office for himself at 800 Broad street, Newark, where he still continues to 
practice, having been admitted as counselor to the L'nitefl States Courts in 
June. 1899. 

In |)ulitics he is a Republican, but with broad views on all National and 
State issues. 

C)n February 8th. 1900. .Mr. DeWitt married Clementine Runyon Bruen, 
daughter of James F. and Ella (Cowan) Bruen and a niece of the late Chancel- 
lor Theodore Runyon. 

He is secretarv of the Newark Athletic Club. 




WILLIAM CRABB 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 435 

WILLIAM CRABB, 

Who was born in County of Fife, Scotland, March 17, 1849, ^^I't*! i" Newark, N. 
J., May 19, 1890, was the third son of Wilham Crabb and Mary Whitson. His 
father was a hackle-maker, one of the band of skilled workers sent to France in 
the early fifties to start the linen industry there. He returned to Scotland after a 
few years, where he followed his calling, and died at the age of seventv-six years. 
On his mother's side his grandfather, Thomas Whitson, a native of Hadding- 
tonshire, was later a country millwright in Leslie, Fifeshire, and for many years 
was widely and honorably known for his skillful knowledge of agricultural ma- 
chinery and implements. He also carried on a saw mill, and a mill for the 
spinning of linen yarn. Both his sons and daughters inherited a full share of 
their father's business skill. A younger son built and carried on a paper mill. 
Robert Whitson, a brother of his maternal grandfather, possessed a wonderful 
capacity for business, settling in the colony of New Zealand, where he established 
the largest brewing business of that country. 

William Crabb was educated in the public schools of Scotland, and early 
turned his attention to mechanics, following the occupation of his father, the 
making of hackles, an important industry in a country noted for its great woolen 
manufacturies, its carding mills, and cloth finishing establishments. 

After spending the first twenty years of his life in Scotland, Mr. Crabb de- 
cided to go to the United States, — a country offering new opportunities for the 
enlargement of his business. He settled first in Paterson, New Jersey, and later 
located in Lowell, Massachusetts, in both manufacturing centers carrying on 
the occupation to which he had been trained in Scotland, associating himself 
with firms already in existence. In 187 1, having acquired sufificient capita! and 
adequate experience as a practical worker to begin business for himself, he 
came to Newark, New Jersey, and commenced operations in a small way in the 
Nassau Works. Close attention to business and the excellence of the goods, 
soon brought to him enlarged patronage. By 1879 his business had increased to 
such proportions that more extended quarters were required to carry on his 
now well known manufactories. 

For this purpose he purchased property on North Third street, facing the 
Morris Canal in the City of Newark, where he had previously been in business. 
In the buildings he here erected he continued the manufacture of mill supplies 
until the time of his death, which occurred May 19, 1890. 

The goods manufactured by Mr. Crabb were widely distributed throughout 
the United States, and at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, in 1876, 
he was awarded medals for superiority of his manufactures. 

Socially and financially Mr. Crabb occupied a high position. He was a 
director in the North Ward National Bank, a member of the North End Club, 
of the Caledonian Club, and of the Masonic Order. As a Presbyterian, in all 
matters of faith and of church work, he was unswerving in his convictions and 
in his profession. He was a man of strict integrity, of keen judgment, and of 
the utmost fairness and sincerity in thought, word and deed, hapjiiest when with 
his family, vet willing at the call of duty to give attention to public matters. 

In December, 1875, Mr. Crabb married Helen, daughter of David and 
Elizabeth MacKay fnee MacFarlane). Three children were the issue of tills 



436 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

marriage. Thomas. David MacKay, and William \\'liitson. Their children were 
all born in Newark. Xew Jersey. 



JOSEPH CLARK, 



A well-known educator, was born in Syracuse, Onondaga county, Xew York. 
His paternal ancestors were among the first settlers of Bradford. X'ermont. on the 
maternal side his ancestors were the Faxns and W'ellmans, of Xew Hampshire. 

He was educated in the I-"ayettevilie Academy, and afterward continued his 
classical studies and music with private teachers. In 1848 he came to Xew- 
ark, Xew Jers«?\-. where he has since resided. 

Though deeply interested in everything ])ertaining to the welfare of the 
country, state or city, and a life-long Republican, his chosen profession, teaching, 
debarred him from taking an active part in politics. 

In 1857 he was made principal of the Lafayette Street Public School, a po- 
sition which he ably filled until 1894, when he was appointed principal of the 
Normal and Training School of Xewark, Xew Jersey. Mr. Clark has made a 
thorough study of professional works, and. in the interests of education has trav- 
eled from Maine to California. 

On coming to Xewark he united witli the Si.xth Presbyterian church and has 
ever since been actively identified with all its work. 

In 1868 he married Anna Elizabeth, daughter of Job Foster and I'amelia 
Perry, of Xewark, Xew Jersey. 

In 1872 Mrs. Clark died, leaving two children, Joseph Wheeler and Mildred 
Livia. In 1875, Mr. Clark marrietl Henrietta Louise, daughter of Benjamin 
La Rue Thomjison and Jane \\'eeks. 

Mr. Clark's genial disposition and ready symjiathy with those entrusted to 
his care have won for him the gratitude and confidence of the community in 
which his life has been spent. 

He was one of the original members of the Xew Jersey State Teacher's As- 
sociation, which has been largely instrumental in improving the educational sys- 
tem of the State. 



ORANGE H. ADAMS, A. M., Al. D. 

One of the leading physicians and surgeons, and a prominent citizen of Xew 
Jersey, is Dr. ( )range H. Adams, of \ineland. He was born in Rindge, Xew 
Ham])shire, on January i. 1856, and traces his descent from Henry Adams, 
who came to America about the year 1636, settling at Braintree, Massachusetts, 
and among whose descendants two Presidents of the United States are num- 
bered. Israel Adams. Sr., the great-grandfather of our subject, removed from 
Andover, Massachusetts, to Rindge, Xew Hampshire, in 1772, when his son 
Israel was a child of four years. Israel, Jr., the grandfather of our 
subject was born on January 8th. 1768. r)n .\ugust 28th. 1796, he 




JOSEPH CLARK 




ORANQE H ADAMS 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 437 

married Sallie, the daughter of Nathaniel Adams. Their son, Al- 
bert, father of our subjcet, was born on March 4th, 1807. He became a 
farmer and lumber dealer in his native town, and was quite prominent as a citi- 
zen. He held the office of Selectman, and was a member of the District School 
Committee. He married Mary Pollard on Alay 26, 1836. She was the daugh- 
ter of Levi Pollard, of Winchendon, Massachusetts, and was born on June 22, 
181 1. A brother was the Rev. .\ndrew Pollard, D. D., a distinguished divine 
of Boston, Massachusetts. The Pollards were of patriotic stock, and Mrs. 
Adams' grandfather was one of the victorious soldiers who captured Quebec 
in the War of the Revolution, which event occurred on his seventeenth birth- 
day. 

To Albert and Alary .\dams seven children were born, as follows: George 
A., who became Captain of the One Hundred and Fifty-Seventh New York 
Volunteers during the Civil War, and was fatally wounded at the battle of Get- 
tysburg, dying a few days later: Israel, who died in infancy: William, who died 
of fever at the age of sixteen years; John B., a farmer in New Hampshire; 
Francis A., a resident of Massachusetts; Alary E., wife of Leonard F. Sawyer, 
and our subject. The father of these children died on Alay 14, 1875, and the 
mother on October 31, 1884. For forty years the mother was a communicant 
of the Congregational church. 

Dr. Orange H. .Adams received his primary education in the village schools 
of Rindge and East Jaffray, New Hampshire, and prepared for college at Ash- 
burnham, Alassachusetts. He entered Dartmouth in the fall of 1877, graduating 
in 1881 with the degree of A. B. He belonged to Phi Beta Kappa and Theta 
Delta Chi fraternities. He then entered the Aledical Department of Dart- 
mouth, and three years later was graduated with the degree of AI. D., hold- 
ing the highest rank in the class and delivering the valedictory address. Fol- 
lowing this he took a special course in the New York Polyclinic, and in 1884 
located in Mneland, and established a practice which he has since continued. 
For the last few years Dr. Adams has paid special attention to diseases of the 
eye. He is a member of the Cumberland County District Aledical Society, of 
which he has served as president, and is also a member of the State Aledical 
Society; also member of American Medical .Association. Dr. .Adams has 
been very enterprising and public spirited. It was largely through his efiforts 
that the glass works were established in \'ineland. He also assisted in estab- 
lishing several other important manufactories in that place while serving as 
president of the Mneland Improvement Company, with which he was con- 
nected for several years. He has held various offices of trust, among which 
were president of the Mneland Board of Trade, and is at present and has been 
for several^years, president of both the Board of Health and Board of Education 
of Vineland. He was one of the organizers and a director in the Tradesman's 
Bank of Vineland. Politically Dr. Adams was always a Democrat until free 
silver was made an issue during the last Presidential campaign, when he became 
a supporter of Air. AIcKinley. He is independent in his political views. 

Dr. Adams married tirst Miss Jessie C. Ballow. daughter of George W.^ 
Ballow, of Alassachusetts, a veteran of the Civil War. -She died in Alay, 1894,* 
leaving two children, .Alice AI. and Gertrude J., who died Alay 23. 1898. On 
June 12, 1895, 'i^ married Clara J., the daughter of Joseph Whitsitt, of Pat?r- 



438 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

son, New Jersey. To this union one child, Leslie Harold, was born May 3, 
1899. Both the doctor and his wife are connected with the Presbyterian 
church, the Doctor being president of the Board of Trustees of the same. 

Dr. Adams has met with great success in his practice, and has taken a po- 
sition among the foremost physicians and surgeons of the State. He is genial, 
magnetic and liberal, both in his professional and business life, and has a large 
circle, of friends and admirers. 



ALBERT BALDWIN. 



Albert and his twin brother, Abram Mandeville, sons of Cyrus and Eliza- 
beth (Mandevillel Baldwin, were born July 5th, 1835, in Orange, New Jersey. 

One of the oldest and most honorable families in the history of America, 
is the Baldwin family; our earliest records give them tribute as people of high 
purpose, of patriotism, and strongest moral worth. From Joseph Baldwin, a 
settler of Milford, Connecticut, in 1639. whose descendants were among the 
earliest residents of Orange, New Jersey, the subject of our sketch is descended. 
Upon his mothers side he belongs to the ancient and honorable family of 
Mandeville, of whose historically well known member, Geoffrey de Mandeville, 
Earl of Esse.x, was, perhaps, one of the most famous. 

The early education of Albert Baldwin was received in the village school 
of Orange, and, when still a boy, he was given a place in the Orange Bank. 

At twenty-one he became teller of the Newark City (now the Newark 
City National) Bank, which, at that time, boasted but three other employees, a 
bookkeeper, clerk and runner. In 1858 Mr. Baldwin was called to the position 
of cashier, and in 1897 was made vice-president of the institution. So re- 
markable was the success of the bank during the nearly forty years in which 
Mr. P.aldwin was connected with it. that its advance, as an institution, may 
properly be mentioned as a part of the life history of this man, who held so close 
a relation with it. When, in 1855. Mr. Baldwin entered the service of the 
bank its capital stock amounted to S300.000, its annual deposits to about the 
same sum. At the time of his death its caiiital stock and sur])lus had advanced 
to almost $1,000,000. and its annual deposits to nearly S2.000.000. Of the esti- 
mation in which Mr. Baldwin was held by those who best knew his value to the 
bank, no words can more fittingly speak than those of the minute, adopted by 
the directors of the bank, in recording the death of Mr. Baldwin. 

We (|uotc. "In the discharge of his duties, as cashier, he showed an alert- 
ness, prompt assiduity and accuracy that was the admiration of the bank's 
patrons, and attracted new dealers to the institution. His engaging manners, 
his afTability and frankness as evinced in his social intercourse, contributed to 
this result, and it is to these that are largely due the favorable regard of the 
business conmiunity. and the success that has elevated the bank to an equal 
rank with the prosperous banking institutions, that have preceded it. by nearly 
•iialf a century. Mr. Baldwin's personal character was without a stain, his 
integrity beyond reproach." Mr. Baldwin was emphatically of the highest 
type of the Christian gentleman, a man of gracious presence and sincere heart. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



439 



In public affairs he took such part that his voice and his influence were for the 
liighest and best only; in church matters he was earnest and faithful; a vestry- 
man, for many years, in Grace church, Newark, and. after his removal to Con- 
vent Station, Senior Warden in Grace church, Madison. He was a man of 
quick sympathies and true liberality, but one adverse to publicitv in his charit- 
able works. In his home and social life he was beloved for the beautiful and 
noble personal traits of mind and manner. He was interested in and belono-ed 




ALBERT B.M.DWIV. 



to the New Jersey Historical Society, the Sons of the American Revolution, 
and the Washington .Association of iMorristown. he was also a director in the 
Fireman's Insurance Company. 

Mr. Baldwin married. May, 1861, Jennet Phelps, daughter of the late Dr. 
Charles Hooker, of New Haven, Connecticut, wlio was a descendant of Rev. 
Thomas Hooker, first minister of Hartford in 1636. 

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin are Charles Hooker, teller in the 
National Park Bank of New York City. Albert Henry, assistant cashier in the 
Newark City National Bank and Jennet Elizabeth. 

Mr. Baldwin died October 21, 1897. Far exceeding in worth the fact and 



440 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

the record of an able financier, far l)eyond, even the fact of the love and honor 
given to this good man, will always remain the truth that his was a noble life, 
lived "without a stain," and an integrity maintained "beyond reproach." 



FREDERICK MYGATT UTTER, 

Of Newark, New Jersey, who for thirty-one years was connected with the bank- 
ing house of Kuhn, Loeb & Co., New York City, was born in the Park house, 
Newark, New Jersey, August 9, 1835. His father, John Morris Utter, also a 
native of Newark, New Jersey, born February 17, 1801, died May i, 1846, was 
connected with the late Joseph A. Halsey in the manufacture of shoes, forming 
the firm of Halsey & Utter. \\'hile traveling in the South in the interests of 
the firm, he contracted malarial fever, the efTects of which proved fatal. Our 
subject's antecedents were French and English; on the father's side, French, and 
on the side of the mother, Sarah Smith Halsey, English, her paternal ancestors 
having settled at Southampton, Long Island, in 1637. 

Frederick L'tter attended private schools in Newark until sixteen years of 
age, when he sought employment in the National Park Bank, New York City. 
He was subsequently connected with the Second National Bank of Newark, 
New Jersey. For thirty-one years continuously, prior to his death, he was 
cashier and confidential clerk of the banking house of Kuhn, Loeb & Co., New 
York City. At the time of the Civil War he served, in 1863. as Chief Clerk to 
Major W. W. Sherman, Senior Paymaster of the govemment. He died at 
Hamilton, Bermuda, February 14, 1898. 

Mr. Utter was a member of Kane Lodge, No. 55, F. & .A. M., Union 
Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M., and Kane Council. No. 2, R. & S. M. He was a 
thirty-second degree Mason, also a member of Corinthian Council, R. A., and 
a past Grand Saachem of the Republican League of Newark. He was a mem- 
ber of the Sons of the American Revolution, his ancesters having fought at the 
battle of Springfield, New Jersey. He always remained a resident of Newark, 
\vas a stanch Republican, and was an attendant of the Second Presbyterian 
church. 

Mr. Utter's second marriage occurred in 1872, to Amelia Harris, daughter 
of John H. Stout, of Newark. He left two children, .\nna L. Mason and Wil- 
liam F. Utter, both by his first wife. 



PAUL REVERE. 



Hardly a name in .American history is so famous as the one which begins 
this review, which is now worthily worn by one of Morristown's loyal, respected 
and honored citizens. The conditions of life are changed since his great- 
grandfather took the famous midnight ride, arousing the soldiers at the opening 
of the Revolution; but the same loyalty to country characterizes the subject of 
this sketch. He springs from a family indeed prominent in the annals of the 




FREDERICK M. UTTER 




iXjUL^JiAJi 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 441 

nation. Every school boy throughout the length and breadth of the land 
knows the story of the hero who watched for the signal light in the old North 
church tower, "One if by land, and two if bj" sea," and then rode through the 
darkness to villages and farm houses, arousing all the people to resist the attack 
of the British the following morning. The next generation of the family had 
its representative no less prominent in the affairs of civil life, for Dr. John 
Revere, the grandfather of our subject, was one of the founders of the medical 
department of the University of the City of Xew York, and did much to advance 
medical science to a point that it had never before attained. He was a very 
eminent physician, the author of many valuable medical works, and at one time 
was professor in Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. 

General Joseph Warren Revere, the father of our subject, was born in 
Boston in 1812. and at the age of fourteen entered the United States Xaval 
School at Xew York, thus beginning a long career of service by sea and land 
in almost even,- portion of the globe, a service full of exciting interest and ro- 
mantic adventure. At sixteen he sailed for a long cruise in the Pacific, and 
then joined the squadron employed in suppressing the African slave trade. 
After a trving service in which he often narrowly escaped death from disease, 
wreck and mutiny, he was sent to the European squadron. He visited every 
country of Europe and the ^ilediterranean shores of Asia and Africa, and being 
an accomplished linguist, he acted as aid to the commodore, and was especially 
fortunate in meeting the most distinguished personages of the day. He 
visited the interior of Algeria with a French force which had a fierce fight with 
the Arabs. During the Seminole war he ser\'ed with the "Mosquito Fleet" 
on the coast of Florida, and shortly after commanded a vessel engaged in break- 
ing up the organized piracy in the West Indies." In 1838 he sailed in the first 
American squadron which circumnavigated the globe, and at Bombay he wit- 
nessed the departure of the British army for the disastrous campaign of Cabul. 
For saving the British man-of-war. Ganges, from shipwreck, he was presented 
with a sword of honor by the Governor-General of India. On the coast of 
Sumatra the squadron bombarded the towns of Kwala Batu and Muckie. in 
punishment for the seizure of an American vessel and the murder of her crew. 
After that cruise Lieutenant Revere again served in the \Vest Indies. 

Throughout the Mexican war he was on the coast of California, and at 
Sonoma raised the first American flag north of San Francisco Bay. being^ also 
present at the battles of the Mesa and San Gabriel, the bombardment of Guay- 
mas, and the other exciting events of the conquest. After the war he went 
again to California, as government timber agent for the new territory, and was 
an actor in the wild scenes at the time of the "gold fever." A book published 
bv him and entitled "A Tour of Dutv in California." became a handbook for 
pioneers and settlers. In 1849 Lieutenant Revere resigned from the navy and 
remained for two vears on a ranch -he had purchased. In 1851 he engaged 
in the coasting trade, and on the coast of Mexico he rescued, after a desperate 
conflict, the passengers and crew of the shipwrecked vessel from a horrible 
death at the hands of the savages. For this service the Spanish government 
conferred upon him the order of Isabella, and he received high testimonials 
from other governments. Xot long afterward he became the intimate triend 



442 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

of the president of Mexico and accepted a commission as Lieutenant-Colonel of 
artillery in the Mexican army. 

He reorganized this branch of the service, and instructed the officers, 
among them the celebrated Miramon. afterwards executed by the side of Em- 
porer Maxmillian. In a battle with the Revolutionists his skill and valor saved 
the national army from destruction. He was <leclared to have "deserved well 
of the republic" and received high honors. 

Wearied at last of his adventurous life. Col. Revere returned home and set- 
tled with his family near Morristown. He continued thereafter a citizen of 
Morris county, and served as IJrigadier-General of the Morris county militia. 
At the outbreak of the Rebellion he at once offered his services to the general 
government, and was soon made Colonel of the Seventh Regiment of New Jer- 
sey ^'olunteers. The brilliant record of this gallant regiment, second to none 
in the service, has been largely attributed to the severe disci])line it re- 
ceived under Colonel Revere, whom General Hooker pronounced "the best 
disciplinarian in the service." He fought in the battles of the Peninsula cam- 
paign and the second Manassas, and was promoted Brigadier-General and 
commanded the Second New Jersey Brigade, of which the Seventh formed a 
part, until after the battle of Fredericksburg. When the army was reorganized 
under General Hooker, General Revere was assigned to command the New 
York "Excelsior" brigade, a splendid body of fighting men, whom General 
Hooker felt needed more stringent disci])line than they had yet received. \t 
Chancellorsville Revere"s brigade led the van in the desperate stniggle after 
the rout of the Eleventh Corps, and was in the thickest of this disastrous fight. 
General Revere was the only Federal eye-witness of the fatal wounding of 
^'Stonewall" Jackson. For a movement made just after this fight General 
Revere was censured by General Sickles and was for a time deprived of his 
rank, but the opinion of the men he had commanded, and that of Generals 
Meade and Sedgwick and other high officers, held him innocent of any offense. 
President Lincoln declared he had been unjustly treated, restored him to his 
rank and he was subsequently named Brevet Major-Cieneral. 

His health was completely shattered by wounds and diseases incurred in 
ser\'ice, and his existence became one of unbroken suffering. In 1873 he 
published "Keel and Saddle." a retrospect of his thrilling life. He was very 
widely read and wrote much for publication. He possessed considerable artis- 
tic talent, and a picture painted by him is a prominent object in the Church of 
the Assumption, Morristown. In 1862 he joined the Catholic church, in which 
he remained until his death. In politics he adhered to the old-time Demo- 
cratic principles of his youth. 

General Revere married Miss Rosanna Duncan Lamb, of Boston, who, 
with two of his five children, Paul and .Augustus L. Revere, survive him, his 
death having occurred April 20, 1880. The Revere homestead in Morris- 
town has been occupied by the mother and sons for about twenty years, and it 
is one of the most interesting homes in all New Jersey. In the halls hangs a 
portrait of old Judge Revere, who lived in France over two hundred years ago, 
indicating the French Huguenot descent of the family. There are also por- 
traits of Paul Revere, the Revolutionary hero, and his wife, and of General 
Revere in militarv uniform. The bouse is also filled with curios from all parts 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 443 

of the globe, secured by General Revere in his travels. These include a rhin- 
ocerous-hide shield from the Malay Islands; an old helmet supposed to have 
belonged to a follower of Cortez; a dagger used by the French actress, Rachel; 
the sword received from the Governor-General of India; a Turkish cimeter 
presented to Gen. Revere by Mehemet Ali, and a sabre presented by the Sultan 
of Zanzibar; California bowie knives, pistols and war club, and commissions 
bearing the signatures of famous officials. The house was erected in 1807, 
and within its walls many distinguished men have been welcomed to Morris- 
town, including General LaFayette. 

Paul Revere, who is his father's successor as the head of this household, 
was born in Morristown, September 28, 1856, and acquired his literary educa- 
tion in the Alorristown Classical School. He read law in the office of Hon. 
Staats S. Morris, of Newark, and ex-Governor Joseph D. Bedle, of Jersey City, 
and was a student in the Harvard Law School. In February, 1881, he was ad- 
mitted to the bar and was actively engaged in practice in Newark, until 1885, 
when the great demands made upon his time l:)y other business interests forced 
him to put aside the law. He has been connected with some of the most im- 
portant real estate transactions of this city, is a director in the Morris County 
Savings Bank, the Morris County Mortgage & Realty Company, and the 
Morristown Trust Company. He is also president of the Morristown Associa- 
tion for Public Improvement, and his wise counsel and able management in di- 
recting the afifairs of these concerns have been important factors in the successes 
which have crowned the enterprises, and which not only add to the prosperity 
of the stockholders, but advance the general welfare also. "Peace hath her 
victories no less renowned than war," and many of these Mr. Revere has also 
won. 

Twice he has served as a member of the Common Council of Morristown, 
fron^ 1883 10 1885, and has again from 1888 to iSgo. In politics he a stanch 
Democrat, and has taken an active interest in political afifairs since his boyhood. 
He hai-- been a delegate to most of the Democratic conventions in the past 
eighteen years, has frequently served as chairman of such conventions and 
public meetings, has been president of the Morristown Democratic Club, and 
has been a member of the County Board of Elections. His counsel carries 
great weight in the conventions of his party, and he is recognized as a prominent 
leader in Democratic circles. He supported Palmer and Buckner in 1896. 
and was chairman of the Morris County Sound Money Democratic Committee, 
and a member of the State Committee. He has been "on the stump" in this 
part of New Jersey in almost every election since 1880. and is an interesting, 
entertaining, logical and forceful speaker. 

:\Ir. Revere is also a valued member of several social and fraternal organi- 
zations. He belongs to the Sons of \'eterans and served as captain of his camp, 
was one of the founders of the Sons of the American Revolution, was treasurer 
of the society in New Jersey, and was vice-president general of the national 
society. He also belongs to the Washingtion Association of New Jersey, to 
the Aztec Chib and the New York Reform Club, and is president of All Souls 
Hospital Association, the Morris County Golf Club, and filled the same office 
in connection with the Morris County Gun Club. He also belongs to the 
Morristown Club, the Morristown Field Club, and other organizations, and 



444 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

and his genial manner and courteous deportment make him a po])ular rep- 
resentative of these organizations. He has taken a very active interest in fire 
department matters, and was three \ears foreman of the Morristown fire war- 
dens. Every enterprise for the public good receives his connnendation and 
his liberal support to many beneficial movements has added to the progress 
and improvement of the city. In his religious connections he is a Catliolic. 
Mr. Revere is a gentleman of literary taste and scholarly habits, has read 
and studied extensively on the question of great moment to the nation, and 
has written some very able articles on taxation, public improvement and 
municipal government. His life has been one of great activity in practical 
affairs and has been an important factor in promoting the best interests of iiis 
native city. He has that culture and refinement which only travel can bring, 
and in addition to his visits to many sections of his native land and Canada, 
he made a trip to Europe in 1887, there spending six months in visiting the 
many points of beauty and historic interest in England. France and Italy. 
He comes of a notable family, but is honored for his own sterling virtues and 
upright life, rather than for the heroic deeds of his ancestors. 



DOWLING BENJAMIN, M. D. 

The ancestors of Doctor Benjamin have, for generations, taken an honor- 
able part in the history of Maryland. \'irginia. and North Carolina. His 
grandfather. Joseph ISenjamin. who was of an English family, settled in Marv- 
land in 1774. the next year went to \'irginia. and immediately after the news 
of the battle of "Bunker Hill" reached that State, joined Harry Lee's Light 
Horse Legion, then organizing at Amelia Court House, and served with it 
during the Revolutionary War. After the war he settled in Charleston, 
-Maryland, and was one of the founders of the Methodist church in that locality. 

His son, Isaac Benjamin, .Sheriff of Tulbut county, the Doctor's grand- 
father, married a Miss Alexander, of a prominent Scotch-Irish family, two of 
whose members have served respectively as president and secretary of the 
historic Mecklessbury convention, of North Carolina, in 1775. signing the 
original Declaration of lndei)endence as their first official pronnilgation. The 
Doctor's maternal grandfather ser\'ed in the War of 181 2. The family seem 
to have inherited the military tendencies of the Doctor's grandfather above 
referred to. .Several of his uncles were in the Mexican war and the war of 
the Rebellion as connnissioned officers. Three of his brothers and one of 
his uncles sacrificed their lives in the last mentioned war. The Hon. W. 
Gail Owens, who defeated Breckenridge for Congress in that celebrated con- 
test in Kentucky, is also a grandson of Isaac Benjamin and a cousin of the 
Doctor. 

Dowling Benjamin was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1849. .\fter 
obtaining an education in the public schools he made a study of the ancient 
and modern languages and science, under private tutors, preparatory to enter- 
ing an advanced class in Dickinson College. He secured a position in a drug 
store, and soon passed the examination of the State Board of Pharmacy. 




COWLING BENJAMIN 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 445 

Thus well qualified, he began the study of medicine, and the celebrated D. 
Hayes Agnew was one of his medical preceptors. He was graduated in 
1877, at the University of Pennsylvania, in the medical department, having 
passed the highest examination in all branches, and received with his degree, 
at the public commencement in the Academy of Music, honorable mention by 
the faculty. He was at once appointed as assistant in the hospital in the de- 
partment of neurology. While he was but a student, the truth and transcen- 
dant importance of bacteriological pathology (germ theory) of infectious dis- 
eases and contagious germs then being developed by Pasteur. Koch and Lister 
in Europe, was quickly grasped by his keenly logical and scientific mind. Se- 
curing and studying all the important literature and reports of the investigators 
of these pioneer's in antisepsis, which in that day could not be found in any 
American text-books, and making original research and microscoptical investi- 
gations at night in the laboratories, he made his graduating thesis on 'Tn- 
fection. or Antiseptic's Practice." This was believed by medical scholars to 
be the first clear, logical and unassuming presentation of the germ theory by 
an American medical writer. The professor of medicine at Princeton at the 
University, after carefully reading, so pronounced it, endorsed it and after- 
ward taught the germ theory, whereas he had not previously done so. Indeed, 
the professor of clinical surgery of the university had not adopted the anti- 
septic practice so late as 1881 (see Encyclopedia of Surgery. \'ol. i, page 
599, where the old system is described.) So far in advance of the usual 
practice and beliefs of the profession was this thesis that, "convincing and 
clear" as it seemed to Professor Steele, logical and beautiful on diction as it 
is (it is yet extract) it was refused publication at the time by the leading 
medical journals, (the Medical Times, then edited by his friend. Professor 
H. C. Wood, included) on the ground that "the theory of germs (microbes) 
being the cause of disease was not tenable." In the Camden Medical So- 
ciety and the Xew Jeresy Sanitary Association, when Dr. Benjamin first 
introduced this practice, it was met by almost universal scepticism, and it is 
of late years only that the antiseptic (aseptic) has come into general use. 
However, upon the early adoption of the bacteriological view of infection and 
its careful practice by Dr. Benjamin have hinged some of the most service- 
able results ever attained by a practioner of medicine. For instance, in his 
more than twenty years' practice, he has never had a death from confinement 
(most of the deaths in confinement come from microbes getting in contact 
with the lesions). In all his large practice, including the time while surgeon 
to the Pennsylvania Railroad, Xew Jersey and Camden Railroad, Camden 
Iron Works and Cooper Hospital, (over ten years, his cases including thous- 
ands of injuries and wounds of all kinds), no case of blood poisoning occurred, 
and he never had a case of lockjaw (a microbic disease) occur in any of his 
patients, whereas it was common in this city during some of these years, a 
remarkable example of aseptic practice. C)nly a few years ago he published 
in the Journal of the American Medical Association, October 17th. 1895. 
his great paper on the treatment of diphtheria, showing that he had not had 
a death from diphtheria for over ten years, and included a hundred 
cases (many of them of the most malignant kind). The i^aper was 
accompanied by letters from others of his fellow practitioners, endorsing and 



44^> niu<jk.\i'iii( Ai. iiis'Kik^' ()i- .\i:\v ji-:kskv. 

l■nll)lla^izin^,' this .stauiiKiit. liu(.-.siij;aiii)ii only maili- ilie facts stand out 
nunc- impressively, wliilf the Doctor was guinj; alonj,' (|iiictly with his wundi-r- 
fiil secrets of less than one per cent, of death rate for over a decade. The 
general death-rate from the disease in all the Lnited States was fortv-seven 
per cent., and in Enroi)e fifty per cent., aicordinj; to otificial fipjurcs, while the 
recent 1895 anti-toxin treatment j,'ives a death rate of over twenty ])er cent , ac- 
cording to some of our best authorities. 

The leading medical journals are now discussinj,' Dr. lienjamin's results, 
and the "Journal of Practical Medicine" says editorially, "It is most astonish- 
ing." '1 ITose features alone would uiidoul)tedl\ niake his death-rate in gen- 
eral ])ractice the hjwest on record. The soimil judgment, deliberation and 
persistent investigation of cases and methods, followed with energetic action, 
that are shown in his numerous published contributions to medical literature, 
also have characterized his daily work in all his large general practice, and may 
be held to account for nuich of his uni)recedented success. Those facts 
can all he ])roven by examination of the records. Thoroughness is one of 
his greatest traits, and when he investigates a subject this rep<jrt can be relied 
ujion as exhaustive and accurate. This is shown in n)any legal contests in 
which he was medical ex|)ert. as well as in his writings. 

Dr. llenjamin settled in Caniden in 1877. The following year, as expert 
for counsel in the l-.nnna Htllul iiiiircjer case, he jiroduced a jirofound impres- 
sion ui)on llie legal fraternity by demonstrating for the first time in the world's 
history in a court of law. by chemistry and the microscope, contrary to all 
the text books on chemistry an<l medical juris|)rudence. and to the astonish- 
ment of the State Ex])erts, that the octohedral crystal was conclusive evidence 
of the iiresence of arsenic, but could he by another metal (anatomy) up to 
that time the octrohedral crystal would hang the accused. He even built up 
a large and lucrative i)ractice. and he easily lakes rank among the most 
thoroughly posted and successfid practitioners in his profession. The Doctor 
has been very kind to the poor. There is a fortune in his books were it col- 
lected, but he dues not seem to want riches, though he lives jilcasantly with 
his charming family oti one of the best streets. Ills idea of a j^hysician is to 
give his entire time to the consideration of diseases and its treatment, and 
have nothing to do with finances if he can help it. 

Dr. llenjamin from the first has taken an active jiart in all nio\enieiUs 
tending to raise the standard of the jirofession. In 1884. he attributed general 
attention and the approbation of the friends of higher medical education by 
successfully urging in the face of strong opi)osition, the American Medical 
Association, to proclaim officially the necessity of having a full years' course 
in the medical colleges. Those who were present at that meeting distinctly 
deiuonstrated the great battle, his resolutions having been apjiroved by some 
of the leading professors of medical colleges. 

The .\'ew Jersey State Medical Society adopted his resolution to that ef- 
fect after he had agitated it for two years. He became the spokesman of the 
physicians of the State before the .Senate committee and aided largely in' get- 
ting the measure passed in Trenton. In his speech before the conmiittee in 
the Senate chamber he clearly showed in pungent language that the pos.ses- 
sion of a diploma even from some of the best medical colleges was not a guaran- 



ClUGRAi'lllCAL IIISTURY OF NEW JERSEY. 447 

tee of a proper medical education. This was indeed a j^reat triumph, nut fdi- 
the interest of any set of men, Ijut i)y the ]M-ofessi(jn and the puljHc as well. The 
law was finally passed and a State Board of Ji.xaminers was appointed. The 
Doctor refused an appointment as a member of the Board on the _i.;;round that 
he was a lecturer in the Aledico-Chirurgical College at I'hiladelphia, and had 
the appointment of everyone interested in a medical college. 

It may he properly noted here that in 1888, Ur. Benjamin performol the 
first successful hysteroctony (removal of the entire wonih and ovaries) in the 
State of New Jersey, for a large fihrical tumor of the uterus. He afterward 
performed abdomical section for the removal of ovian tumors, fibroids, ])rus- 
tubes, and petoric abscesses in women, twenty-one times with uniform success, 
showing that in this class of diseases no better work could be done anywhere. 
Broatl and comprehensive in mind, he estimates all the possibilities in a case and 
is ready to meet them. He has served as surgeon to the Cooper Jlos])ital 
and is now obstetrician in charge of the maternity department, and gynaeco- 
logist to that institution. He served for two years as assistant surgeon of 
the I^'irst Regiment, and surgeon and major of the Veteran Corps of the same 
regiment. National Guard of New Jersey. He has been medical expert and 
surgeon to the Pennsylvania railroad for fifteen years. He is a fine lecturer 
and has filled the chair of obstetrics in the New Jersey Training School for 
Nurses, and also held a lecturership in the Medico-Chirurgical College, I'hila- 
delphia. He has served as president of the State .Sanitary Association in 
New Jersey, also of the Camden District Medical Society, and has represented 
his State as a delegate in National and International Medical Conventions. 
Many of his papers have been of great ])ractical value, and have attracted 
national attention, and arc in demand by the leading medical journals. 

His "Observation on the Relations of Tem])eratures to Diseases in Dwell- 
ing Houses" ("Medical Bulletin," i886,j was cojjied by the "Scientific .Ameri- 
can" and all the leading journals, medical and non-medical. The State Board 
of Health of Town (composed of nine physicians and the Attorney-General) 
recommended and published at the expense of the State for free distribution, 
giving the eminent satisfactory reasons in that report to the Governor for 
so doing "that it would save so many lives and jirevent so much sickness." 
Other states did the same. What higher compliment couhl a public benefactor 
receive? This essay has become a part of standard text books. Some of 
his published papers are as follows; "Typhoid in Water," "Contagion," "Hys- 
tesectoring," "Posnel Convulsions," "The Trained Nurse," "Antiseptic Oper- 
ations," "Treatment of Pneumonia," "Ovariotomy," "Ventral Hernia," 
"Present Position of Antiseptic Practice," "Treatment of Fracture," "Ovarian 
and Fibroid Tumors," "Treatment of I )ii)htheria." "A Systematic Work on 
Nursing and Confinement" (Lakeside Publishing Company. New York.) 

From what has been said it is seen that Dr. Benjamin's position is a higlv 
and honoral)le one. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and the .Metho- 
dist I'liiiscofjal church. 

In 1879. Dr. lienjamin married Miss .Sarah Coojjer White. They have 
three children. Mrs. Benjamin is a lineal descendant f)f l-'dwin .Marshall, 
identified with the Poms in the early colonial history of Pennsylvania. 

The "New York Worhl" dnring the late war with Spain, being impressed 



448 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

with tlie cliaractcr and value of Mr. Benjamin's articles on the subject of ty- 
phoid gcrnis in the "Xew York .Medical Record" and other journals, deter- 
mined to have him make a si)ccial investigation from a strictly scientific stand- 
point of the army and camj) at Montauk Point. 

It will be remembered, by those familiar with that period, that disease had 
prostrated nearly the whole army. The great value of this report, not only 
in describing the exact conditions and errors existing in that camp, but the 
suggestions and remedies and improvements, directly and indirectlv. made 
them to the government for the better management of this department, makes 
it well worth studying, and shows that had the government secured the services 
of so careful an observer on the subject of disease, the causes and remedies, as 
Dr. Benjamin, sickness in the army would have kept down to minimum. (See 
"Xew York World" September 5th. 1898.) 

The comprehensive powers of organization and the executive abilitv of 
the Doctor were clearly demonstrated when he was chairman of the commit- 
tee on .Arbitration of the battle of Red Bank by the State Society of the Sons 
of the Revolulion, held in ("aniden. ( )ctoI)er 2^y\. 1897. which was declared by 
the leading papers of Philadelphia and Camden to have been one of the great- 
est public demonstrations the city ever had. 

During the epidemic of typhoid fever in Philadelphia in the spring of 
1889, the "Philadelphia Inquirer" requested Dr. Benjamin to write an article 
on that dreaded disease, in order to enlighten the public and as much as pos- 
sible jjrevent its reading. (See issue of March 19th. 1899). 

\'ery recently, with a view to the better protection of children in the pub- 
lic schools. Dr. Benjamin had a bill introduced in the Xew Jersey Legislature 
providing for the daily medical inspection of the pupils and monthly sanitary 
ins])ection of school houses in cities. 

This measure is now under consideration and there is every reason to be- 
lieve that it will eventually become a law, as it has secured the commendation 
of the most influential people of the State. In his speech in the House of 
Re])resentatives, the Doctor said: 

"Gentlemen of the Committee: 

"I want to say that this bill is strictly in the interest of the health of the 
peoi)le of this State, and especially of the health of the children. It is a bill 
for the public good, and not in the interest of any individual, corporation, or set 
of men or class of people. It is a bill absolutely free from any such objec- 
tionable intentions. It is solely in the interest of the public welfare, and the 
school children of our cities are entitled to just as good medical inspection 
daily as the children are now getting in Xew York schools." 

The purpose and value of this law is clearly set forth in this lengthy speech, 
but our space permits only the above excerpt whicli is sufficient, however, to 
show its import, and the kind of work its author is trying to do for the good 
of the masses. 

Xo sooner had the School Board of the City of Camden learned of the 
introduction of this bill into the Legislature and the favor with which the 
Doctor's agitation was received, than it appointed a medical school inspector, 
creating a new office. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 449 

The limits of this sketch permit us to give but a portion of Dr. Benjamin's 
good work in the interest of humanity, liis profession and the advancement of 
medical science. But what has been referred to as having been accomplished 
under the circumstances where there is no great medical college whose pro- 
fessorships offer a path to distinction, no medical press, and when the tendency 
therefore is to keep all members of this profession on the same level, shows the 
possibilities in this man. 



CHARLES FORT WOOD. 



One of the most ancient Saxon names, of which we have any record, is that 
of Wood. It was, in its earliest application given we read, to a family whose 
landed property was wood-land. We read in the register of Waldron, Eng- 
land, of one See-Wisdom Wood, who was a juryman as early as i6oy. The 
name is, by some branches of the family, written with an S. All the com- 
pounds of the name, as Atwood, Woodford, W'oodstock, etc, are derived from 
the same source i. e. residence near, or proprietorship on woodland 

The great-grandfather of the subject of our present sketch, Daniel Smith 
Wood, of England, came to America during its colonial days. .\t first he 
lived upon Long Island, but, in or about 1754, he took up his permanent resi- 
dence in Xew Providence, New Jersey, where he started to work under Mr. 
Moore, the chief blacksmith of the place. When twenty-one years of age he 
bought out his employer. Mr. Wood remained, through his long life, in New 
Providence, where he died in 1782, aged ninety-one years: honored and be- 
loved by the whole community, to whom he was known as a man of the high- 
est integrity, a Christian and a patriot. He served in the Revolutionary War, 
as an officer, first holding commission as Second Lieutenant, he received pro- 
motion twice after that, being made First Lieutenant, and later Captain. His 
services extended throughout the whole of the war. 

The descendants of Mr. \\^ood, (who was twice married) form a large and 
important connection and among them are many representative men and 
women. Of these we count the subject of our sketch, Mr. Charles Fort Wood, 
whose grandfather, Daniel Smith \\'ood, Jr., was a son of the second wife, 
Sarah Johnson. He married Nancy Baldwin, daughter of Gabriel Baldwin, 
of the historic Baldwin family of New Jersey. Their son, John, was born in 
New Providence, New Jersev, on Christmas Dav, 1818, and died April loth, 
1882. . ' 

His record is that of a man of high intellectual and business abilitv, he 
was also a zealous and lilx-ral church worker. For many years he was en- 
gaged in mercantile life, in the place of his birth, and later, was prominent in the 
real estate business in New York City. He married Charlotte .\,, daughter 
of Peter and Eliza (Perrine) Torboss,'of New York City. Mrs. Wood's an- 
cestors were of good old New York and New England stock. 

Charles Fort Wood, the subject of the brief sketch which follows, is the 
son of Mr. and Mrs. John Wood, of whose ancestry, for three generations, 
29 



450 Bir)GRAPHlCAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

we have already spoken. While a man may not take credit for his ancestors, 
he may, certainly, point, with true and honest pride, to men like those, whom 
we have described, and rejoice in l>eing the descendants of noble forefathers. 
Charles F. \\'<jod was born in Xew Providence. Xew Jersey. His education 
was mainly that of the public schools, and his daily life that of the boy who is 
brought up upon his father's farm. At the age of seventeen he left school, 
and one year later, we find the young man in Xew York City, engaged in the 
artistic, and difficult employment of stone engraving and diamond setting: a 
profession calling for the eye and hand of an artist, rather than that of an arti- 
san. In 1872, or one year later, Mr. Wood established himself in the diamond 
business upon his own account, in which avocation he has continued until the 
present time. His place of business has been variously on Uroadway, and in 
Maid.n Lane. 

.Mr. Wood is known as one of the most expert and reliable diamond im- 
porters and dealers in the country, and his name is connected with many insti- 
tutions and corporations whose interests center about his own line of business. 

He was formerly a director of the Jewelers' Hoard of Trade, and is also 
a director in the Jewelers' .Association. He is a member of the Executive 
Committee of the Jewelers' Security Alliance, and also a member of the Jewel- 
ers' Protective Union. Mr. Wood resides in Summit, Xew Jersey, and has 
identified liimself with its growth and prosperity. He is a member of the 
Common Council and was, for five years, a member of its Hoard of Education, 
and a Commissioner of Appeals, for four years. He is also identified with the 
church work of Summit, is a member and officer in the Methodist Episcopal 
church, of that city, wliere he acts as trustee and chorister. In all church 
benevolence and charitable work his name is well known. In politics he is 
a Republican, but he is rather the good citizen and the man of public spirit 
than the mere politician. He is well known in his own city and in Xew York, 
in social life, and he is a member of the L'nderwriters' Club, in the latter city. 

Mr. Wood married Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Par- 
rot) Clark, of Xew Jersey. Mr. Clark was. for many years a Freeholder in 
Union county. 

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Wood are: Elizabeth Clark, married to 
Samuel flraydon and living in Summit, Xew Jersey, and a son, Wesley Griffin, 
a graduate of St. George's School of Summit, who is employed in his father's 
business. 



HENRY D. 5IM0N5ON, 



Horn at I'.ergen Point, Xew Jersey, September 5th, 1827, was the son of Cor- 
nelius and Catherine Simonson. His ancestors for several generations were 
natives of .Station Island and Bergen Point. He was educated at common 
school in his native town, and when eight years of age assisted his father in 
planting and raising oysters, continuing to attend school during the winter. 

.\rriving at manhood, Mr. Simonson continued in the occupation of his 
father, carrying on the business successfully at Rergen Point, imtil 1837. when 




Cdt^^ /Mz^Mt^ 



■^^-t^C/ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



451 



he came to Newark, New Jersey. He established himself here after severe 
struggles, and Ijecanie one of the best known business men of this city, his 
various restaurants were visited by a great number of prominent business men 
of this citv and the suburbs. 




HENRY D. SIMONSON. 

He had been married twice, when in 1879, he again entered matrimony. 
He died after quite a long illness on September 4th, 1897, at the age of seventy 
vears, leaving a widow and one son, Mr. Fayette S Simonson, who together 
with his mother is carrving on the business established by his father so many 
years ago, and known by everybody as a first class resort, at No. 889 & 891 
Broad street. 



AMOS H. VAN MORN. 

To say of him whose name begins this record that he has risen unaided 
from comparative obscurity to rank among the merchant princes of the worl 
is a statement that seems trite to those familiar with his 



life, vet it is b-'t iust 



452 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

to say in a liistory tliat will dcsceiul to future generations, that his business 
record has been one that an\ man would be proud to possess. Beginning 
at the very bottom round of the ladder, he has advanced steadily, step bv step, 
until he is now occupying a position of prominence and trust reached by few 
men. Through his entire business career he has been looked upon as a 
model of integrity and honor, never making an engagement that he has not 
fulfilled, and standing to-day as an example of what determination and force 
combined with the highest degree of commercial integrity, can acconi])lish for 
a man of natural ability and strength of character. He is respected by the 
community at large and honored by his business associates, and his connncr- 
cial career forms an important ])art of the business historv of Newark. 

Mr. \'an Horn also represents one of the oldest families of New Jersey, 
his ancestral history being one of close connection with the early development 
of the State. The \'an Horns were of Holland descent, and coming to .Xew 
Jersey took up their residence in Warren county. The first of the name to 
locate there was James \'an Horn, who engaged in the cultivation if his land 
and was a respected, worthy agriculturist of the community. He had a family 
of four sons and two daughters, namely: George, father of the subject of this 
sketch: David, who married and removed to Michigan, where he carried on 
farming and reared his family of four children. James. John. .Mary .Ann and Sa- 
rah: William, who married and spent his life as a farmer of Warren county, Xew 
Jersey, Morris, who in 1859. removed to Michigan, where he devoted his ener- 
gies to agricultural pursuits and reared his family of two children, Orie and 
lUirt: Margaret, who became the wife of Isaac Burroughs and removed to 
Michigan, where they spent their remaining days: and Charity, who spent her 
last years in Pettysville, Michigan. 

George \'an Horn, the father of Amos H.. was born in Warren county, 
Xew Jersey, in 1816, and died July 26th. 1876. His early life was quietly 
passed, his attention being devoted to the task assigned him in the school 
njom or in assisting his father in the various duties of the farm. When he 
had attained his majority, however, he determined to abandon agricultural pur- 
suits for mercantile life and engaged in the undertaking and cabinet-making 
business, in addition to conducting a general store in Danville. Xew Jersey. 
He was married in 1836, to Miss Mary Hull, a daughter of Gershon Hull, a 
native of Warren county. They had nine children: Edward, the eldest, was 
married but had no children. He enlisted in the Union army during the war, 
as a member of Cajnain Bean's New Jeresy .Artillery Company, was assigned 
to Battery B. and served for three years, when he was honorably discharged. 
He returned, broken down in health, as the result of the exposure and hard- 
ships of camp life, and died in February, 1866. Amos H.. is the second of 
the family. John, who also enlisted as a defender of the Union, becoming a 
memljer of Company K.. Second New Jersey Infantry, under Captain Tay, was 
taken prisoner at the second battle of Piull Run. and after experiencing many 
hardships and privations at the hands of the enemy, he was finally paroled at 
.\nnapolis. Maryland, but his constitution was so impaired as the result of the 
suffering he had undergone that he died in January. 1863. James, who was a 
member of Company .A., Thirteenth Xew Jersey InfaiUry, served throughout 
the war. returned home and was married. He had three children, but they 




RESIDENCE OF AMOS H. VAN HORN 
88 nORTM SIXTH STHEET, ROSEVJLLE 




73 MARKET STREET 



MAIN ENTRANCE TO ALL BUtLOISGS—CONNECTED Bv BRIDGE OvEfl 
CAMPBELL STDCIT 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 453 

and the mother have all passed away. Silas, married a Miss Mulligan, and to 
them were born three children; Caroline and Minerva Jane did not marrv. Ida 
and Emma, the youngest of the family were twins. The latter died at the age of 
eighteen months; and Ida, who grew to womanhood, become the wife of Mr. 
Chapman, and has three children; ^lay, Amos H. and Leslie. The mother 
of this family, Mrs. Mary (Hull) \'anHorn, died in March 1882. 

Her father Gershon Hull, died in \\'arren County, in 1819, and his wife 
long surviving him, passed away in 1859. They had four sons and four daugh- 
ters, as follows: Daniel, who lived to be eighty-three years of age. married and 
had one daughter; Caroline; John married and had two children. Arili and 
Sarah; James married and had two children; Gershon and Irwin; Gershon 
married, and died November 24th, iSgy, at the age of eighty-six years; Hannah 
became Mrs. Gerhardt, and had a number of sons and daughters Hetty be- 
came Mrs. Sherman, and with her husband removed to \\'isconsin in 1845, 
in which state they reared their four children; Sarah became Mrs. Kechum, 
and with her husband removed to ^Michigan; and Mrs. \'an Horn cijmpleted 
the family. .\11 of the sons engaged in mercantile pursuits. 

.\mos H. \"anHorn was born in Warren county, Xew Jersey, November 
26th, 1840, was educated in the schools of Danville, and received his business 
training principally under the tuition of his father. In 1855, the family re- 
moved to Newark and the father began the manufacture of chairs and furniture, 
fondlv expecting to do a large business with the retail dealers of that city. .\mos 
was employed mornings and evenings in the shop, going to school in the middle 
of the day, but his tastes were more for the cabinet-making tools than for text- 
books. The following year business was prostrated by the panic which swept 
over the middle and eastern states, in fact affecting all the great industrial in- 
terests of the country. The manufacture of cabinet ware met the same fate 
that all other trades experienced for a time, and finding idleness irksome, Amos 
determined to go to his native town of Danville, hoping there to find employ- 
ment. He was not disappointed in this, and worked there through the winter, 
returning to Newark the following spring. The next few months he was em- 
ployed as formerly, assi'^ting in the shop, except during schools hours, when 
he pursued the school course of study. Illness, however, overpowered Wm, 
and for about two years he was unfitted for even the lightest kind of employ- 
ment. As he improved he became imbued with the desire to engage in busi- 
ness on his own account, and olstaining his father's consent to this step, he bor- 
rowed five dollars of his brother Edward, and in i860, forming a partnership 
with .Mr. Holt, opened a small shop at the corner of Catherine and Market 
streets, where they carried on a furniture repairing business for about a year. 

When the war broke out, however, their trade rapidly decreased, and as 
their expenses were soon more than their income a dissolution of the partner- 
ship followed. Not dismayed by this unfriendly turn of fortune, Mr. \'an 
Horn soon opened another shop, in Harrison street, for which he agreed to 
pay four dollars per month rent. He then went to a prominent dealer. Juhus 
Gerth. with whom he had a formal acquaintance, and procuring paints and tools 
on time, announced himself as a dealer in second-hand furniture, and solicited 
work from all those wanting chairs and furniture repaired. Too poor to own 
a horse and wagon, he hauled his goods in a wheelbarrow to and from the hordes 



454 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

of his customers. By liis ])luck and energy, as well as his excellent workman- 
ship, he won a business which steadily grew in volume and importance, and 
in six month's time he had realized enough to pay off his indebtedness to the 
man who had so generously befriended him in his hour of need, and also had 
a surplus of about eighteen dollars. It seems a small sum viewed 
in the light of his present prosperity, but to the young man who had begun 
with nothing, it meant much to be free from debt and have that amount as 
capital. Thinking now he might broaden his field of labor, he removed to ^Irs. 
Campbell's in the basement of Isaac I'ierson's newspa])er depot. Xo. "JJ Market 
street, which he secured for a monthly rental of four dollars, and from Febru- 
ary until September of that year his business had increased until the stock he 
had on hand represented seventy-five dollars, and all paid for. 

But now another element entered into his busy life. The north had not 
conquered the south, as it was expected it would do, and the country was call- 
ing for more volunteers. Mr. \'an Horn felt that it was his duty and desire 
to go. and he has never been known to falter at the call of duty. Accordingly 
he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-sixth Regiment, leaving a boy in charge 
of his store, and after two weeks in camp procured a two days leave of absence 
for the purpose of closing out the concern, during which time he succeeded in 
finding a puchaser, to whom he sold out for t,wenty-five dollars 

Entered service in Company .A, twenty-sixth New Jersey \'olunteer In- 
fantry, September 3d, 1862. Mustered in September i8th, 1862. Mustered 
out June 27th, 1863. 

The Twenty-sixth New Jersey Infantry was organized and mustered in at 
Newark, September 18th, 1862. Moved to Washington, D. C. September 26th, 
1862. and assigned to General H. S. Brigg's conunand, Amiy of the Potomac, 
September 30th, 1862. Served in the Second Brigade, Second Division. Sixth 
Army Corps, .Army of the Potomac from October iith. 1862. 

Reported to Gereral Clanks, commanding the defence o' Washington. D. 
C, .Se])tcniber 27th, 1862. Moved with General l'>riggs' provii^ional command 
to Frederick, Maryland, Sejnember 2d, assigned by si)ecial order Xo. two hun- 
dred and seven, H. Q. .\rniy of Potomac, dated September 30th, to join the 
Sixth .Vrmy Corps. 

-Attached to Second Brigade, Second Di\ision at Hagerstown. Maryland, 
October iith. This brigade was known as the I'irst X'ermnnt Brigade, com- 
posed of Second. Third. I-"ourth. Fifth and Sixth X'ermont. and the Twenty- 
sixth New Jersey remained at Hagerstown until October 31st; marched to and 
crossed the Potomac at fV^rlin, Maryland, October 31st and Xovember 2d: ad- 
vanced into \irginia' Xovember 2d and 9th: reached L'i)perville, Xovember 
5th: White Plains, Xovember 6th: Xew lialtimore. Xovember yth: marched 
to Stafford Court House, Xovember i6tli and 17th: and White Oak church, 
December 4th and 6th; Battle of Fredericksburg, \'irginia, December 12th and 
15th: crossed the Rappahamock at Franklin Crossing, or Deep Run, Decem- 
ber 1 2th: deployed in line of battle, advanced and occujiied position on the 
Richmond Road and Deep Creek until the morning of the 1 3th :recrossed the 
river on night of December 1 5th : winter cjuarters near Belle Plain Landing. 
December 20tli, 1862, to .\pril 28th, 1863. Burnside's second camjiaign or 
Mud .March, January 20th-23d. Fatigue duty with the pontoons Janu- 




STOCK, SHIPPING AND SALESROOM BUILDING 

19,21 23. 25. 27, 29 CAMPBELL STREET 




M, M, •• MMIl n •««■ It. 




VAN HORN BUILDING 

CARPET CLCAhlNG BUILDING, »1 SANK STREET 

OPPOSITE STORAGE WAREHOUSE 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 455 

ary 2ist-22d. Chancellorsville Campaign, April 28th to March 6th. Oper- 
ations at Franklins Crossing April 29th to May 2d. Guard of Pontoon train 
to Banks Ford, night of April 30th; crossed the Rappahamock or Deep Run 
evening of May 2d and moved to position on Hazel Run before daylight, 
May 2d. 

Second battle of Fredericksburg, May 3d-4th, 1863. Assault and capture 
of Mayres Heights and occupation of Fredericksburg May 3d. Battle of 
Salem church May 3d-4th. Actions on Downman's farm and near Bank's 
Ford May 4th. Complimented by Colonel Grant conmianding the brigade 
for gallantry in the assault on the heights of Fredericksburg May 3d, and for 
the repulse of attack near Bank's Ford May 4th; with the rear guard and cover- 
ed the crossing of the Sixth Corps at Bank's Ford, crossed the river on the 
night of May 4th, assisted in removing the pontoons, morning of May 5th; 
returned to camp at Belle Plain May 8th; operated at Franklin's Crossings, 
or Deep Run Ravine, June 5th-ioth. Colonel Grant conunanding 
the brigade reported as follows: "The troops were ordered forward to drive 
the enemy from the rifle pits on the opposite side of the Rappahannock at Frank- 
lin's Crossing. They rushed gallantly down to the bank and under a galling 
fire launched the pontoons, rowed across, charged the rifle pits and captured 
them with many prisoners. It was an exciting and brilliant aft'air, and no ac- 
count can do ample justice to the brave officers and men engaged." Occupied 
a position in the front line of battle across the Bowling Green Road near Ber- 
nard House June 6th and 7th. With the brigade held the front in face of the 
enemy for about fifty hours. Released from duty at the front June 14th. 
Moved to Washington, D. C, June 14th to 17th, thence to Newark, New Jer- 
sey June 19th. Mustered out June 27th. 1863. 

Now having- a capital of two hundred dollars, he rented a basement in Mar- 
ket street, near Broad street, for which he paid a rental of eight dollars, and 
there developed a large business. He carried on repairing as before, but by visit- 
ing the auction rooms and sales at private dwellings, he rapidly enlarged his 
stock, and after three years was obliged to find more commodious quarters for 
his business. He then rented the first floor and basement of No. 79 Market 
street, and for twelve hundred dollars secured the whole stock and good will 
of Mr. Griffiths, the former proprietor. Success attended the new undertak- 
ing, and after a time he rented the entire building, paying eight hundred dollars 
per annum for the same. Another two years passed and further changes were 
demanded, which led him to purchase the building at No. 73 Market street, 
which he remodeled throughout to meet his needs, and also erected a three- 
story brick building in the rear, to serve as a store room, repair shop and stable. 
He then decided to drop the second-hand furniture business entirely, and with 
that object in view disposed of his old goods and purchased a large stock of 
new furniture and other household goods, with which he filled the new store, 
it soon become known as headquarters for everything in that line. Thus 
gradually, step by step, Mr. \'an Horn has built up a very extensive concern. 
He now carries on a wholesale and retail furniture business, and in his large 
store and wareroom are found all grades of goods, to meet the varying demands 
of the trade. 

In 1884, he erected an addition to his warehouse, five stories in height and 



456 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

extending to Campbell street, and in 1890, he erected an addition, fifty by sixty 
feet, six stories in height, to be used for stock and shipping purposes. In 
1893, another addition was made, with twenty-eight feet frontage, on Camp- 
bell street, and extending through to Bank street, six stories in height. The 
building was further enlarged in 1894, by the erection of a building from Camp- 
bell street, facing Bank street, where it has a frontage of seventy-five feet, built 
of handsome pressed brick with appropriate architectural finish. In 1893. in 
addition to the furniture trade, Mr. \'an Horn embarked into the storage ware- 
house business. He has now built an additional structure six stories in height. This 
building is connected with his Market street store by a large arched bridge. In 
the fall of 1898, he erected a building on Bank street forty-five by one hundred 
feet. This makes the building with all the additions, one hundred and ten feet 
on Bank street, running through the entire block one hundred and twenty feet 
with a frontage of a hundred and ten feet on Campbell street. 

Last summer Mr. \'an Horn bought a lot thirty by eighty-four feet on 
the north side of Bank street and erected a five story building of the same style 
of brick and architectural finish as the building on the south side of Bank 
street. This building, which is to be used as a carpet cleaning establishment 
is equipped with the latest improved carpet cleaning machinery. It is situated 
at No. 91 Bank street, and Mr. Van Honi intends to make this a new feature of 
his already extensive establishment. The entire plant on Market, Campbell and 
Bank streets now covers a floor space of over four acres, and is considered the 
largest in the State devoted to this line of business. This spring Mr. \'an Horn 
intends remodeling his property adjoining, (69 and 71 Market street, nmning 
through from Market to Cniiipbell street, thirty by two hundred feet,) for the 
use of his business which f-till keeps increasing. 

What Mr. \"an Honi has accomplished in the world of commerce can- 
not adequately be told in words. It is certainly not asserting too much to say 
of one who can direct and control a business of such magnitude, that he must 
possess, aside from mercantile foresight and sagacity, the happy faculty of 
reading and judging men, unusual powers of organization and executive abil- 
ity — in a word that he must be a master mind; and yet if one should seek in 
Mr. \'an Horn's career the causes that have led to his success, they will be 
found along the lines of well tried and old-time maxims. 



CHARLES R. WILEY, M. D. 

The work of a good physician is a perpetuation of Christ's ministry to the 
bodies of men, such is the skill to which the practice of medicine has attained 
that the achievements of the healing art are scarcely less marvelous than the 
cures recorded in the Gospels. Dr. Charles R. Wiley, who died on the even- 
ing of the 20th of .April, 1897. had in him. by natural gift and by acquirement, 
some of the finest qualities of his profession. He was born in Cape May 
county in 1844. In boyhood he resolved to be a doctor and his ardor and de- 
termination won from his father jjermission to qualify for that career. After 
obtair.iiig his degree at Jefferson College, I'hiladeli)hia, and after a year of ser- 




CHARLES R. WILEY 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



457 



the daily life of the cCm^ v . '^'^,.'^°."'' ""t have taken such hold upon 

ST - si =SSH r -'=" ' -- '"""; 

pens.ble part of their lit eauion e t V ?' ''"'' '" ■"'^"''^ '^"" ^' ^" "^'^i^- 

be;ea;entr "'° """ '"" "^ ^'"^ '■^'^''°"' ^^ ^-P-^^.e loss, a bewi^den" ^ 
disease'" ^''-.V '''"■''",' '"'" '''''" '"ipressed with his skill in the d.ac^nos.s of 

'-^^^^J'-f.p:^^^ - Sn - -- 

ron, G^rn.:. a'd u e' t'-'T" P'"""""" '" ^'^^ ^°""^'->- ^° ""P-^ -"^^^0- 
ski fo .1. ■ '" '"' practice. He adapted his prescriptions with 

eddies in "Jhe f""'" f ^^7"" ^"^' ^°-'''-- '-' thev'becanfe s anda 
remedies m the shops of apothecaries. "This is one of AA^ilev's remed es ' 
^^as the formula w.th which drug,^ists often vended their compounds 

the ieTtest'of'r^r /°-'" P™''""°"- ' P'^-^'^'^^'^^" "'^°'-" -"^ not made." had 

the grea est of medical virtues, and it was his inditference to fee or to reward 

the relief of suffering. He could not do more for the richest of hi cl ents 

p hv'oT tSnt"^ 'h' '"' ''^ ''-'' ''''''-' '' ''-' -^ expendilTof'^dml 
tui ous He h. 1 f §^^y™^>t-v ^vas profuse, much of his work was gra- 

tuitous. He had fame enough to choose his clientage, but he never did Hp 
was without respect of persons, the servant of all wl^ ca e upoi 11 and t 
lavished his usual gifts of sympathy and skill upon them all alike 

In town he and in politics as in his profession he was a leader. Twentv 
f rvedT T " "'"r' ^'" Democratic nomination for the Assembly He 

d recfor of the^T T " -"p" ?"""'• "^^ '''' ^''"^ ^^ '"^ ^-^^ he was a 
Z7r Tradesmen s Bank, president of the Pension Bank of Cumber- 

Children ■'' '" '^°"^"'^'"& Ph^-sician at the Training School for Feeble Minded 

H. )?J^ ^"\'i'ey-s best characteristics were shown in the heroism of his death 

a^^l n 180" "' "^""'-' ''■°" ' "°""^ ■"'^'^^-' ■" ' --^i-' operation! 

toms r.I ^'' °", '"'Vr'-'^'S a Sprain of his right leg. the old septacaemic svmp- 

ZTl ., u ''"^' """^ °^ '''" "'^^''^' triumphs in which he took great sat- 
>sfac ion. that he w-as able to save the limb. The process involved nfore than 
a \ear. and it left his power of resisting disease much diminished. He knew 
h s situation well, for he observed to a friend that if pneumonia should attack 

™ T- ''T " T°"'^ '"^ '''' '^'■""'■- "T'^e ^^'' "^o"t''* "f t>ie doctor's life 
V ere a time of much sickness, his call list grew into formidable numbers, and 
the pace was telling on him. At last he went about with high heat fever \ 
cough seized him. accompanied by bloodv expectorations. Fri<lav March 
26th. he toiled until late in the evening, feeling that he could not neglect his 



458 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

sick. He went to bed never to leave it again alive. In the niorniiifj iiis syni|)toms 
showed a well developed case of pneumonia: the next day a letharj^ic state set 
in from which he occasionally roused to ask for some member of the family. 
His last two utterances were to call for his baby girl, the ceaseless delight of his 
heart. E.xcept for those precious endearments the doctor's last conscious part 
in the world's life were days of strenuous, i^atient. tender care for suffering in- 
valids, when his strength was breaking under his spurring. He was giving 
his life for others, and he died at his post. 

On the afternoon of the 26th of April a vast concourse of his friends as- 
sembled at the church to perform the last rites of affection and regard, which 
were in charge of Undertaker Krusen. and to follow his lifeless body to Siloam 
Cemetery: Messrs. Charles Kcighley, James Loughran. W. \'. Prince. W. C. 
McMahon, Major J. P.. Lukens, Eli B. Hendee, James Chance and J. A. .-Kck- 
ley acting as pall bearers, and escorted by the G. A. R., Odd Fellows and the 
Masons. It was a grieved congregation: many were mourning for a friend 
who had delivered them or their loved ones from im]jending death; many were 
sorrowing because the prop on which they had grown accustomed to rely in 
in sickness was taken away: many were inconsolable because their benefactor 
in penury antl times of disease was lifeless, and all these gave some cxjjression 
to their sorrow by floral offerings which were numerous and magnificent, and 
their thoughts were voiced by Revs. B. C. Lippincott and R. B. Moore in ex- 
ceedingly apjiropriate remarks. The good deeds of which his life was cease- 
lessly fruitful, had enshrincfl him in hearts that will never cease to remember 
him with gratitude or to recall him with admiration for his extraordinary skill. 
In a profession pre-eminent for self-sacrifice, beneficence and noble attainments 
he was a type of some of its finest characteristics of enterprise, skill and gener- 
osity, gentle devotion and faithfulness. He gloried in his work, and his work 
honors him. 

On October 18, 1877. Dr. Wiley was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth, 
daughter of R. C. and Ellen Sonder, of \ineland. New Jersey. Mrs. Wiley, 
with two daughters, Josephine and \'eronica, are the immediate members of the 
family, and were left to mourn the loss of a loving husband and devoted father. 



HENRY SIMMONS WHITE, 

Jersey City, is the son of Isaac P. White. ))r()minent citizen and lumber mer- 
chant of Red Bank. Monmouth county. Xew Jersey, where he was born July 
13, 1844. He is the fifth generation of the White family in that county, the 
founder, Thomas White, coming there about two hundred years ago. His 
mother, .Adaline .Sinmions. was descended from an old Maryland family from 
which state her father. .Abraham Simmons, moved into Ontario county. Xew 
York, where she was born She died May 7. 1804. The death of Isaac P. 
White occurred January 28, 1876. 

Henry S. \\Miite early decideil upon medicine as a profession, and in i860 
matriculated at the College of Phvsicians and ."surgeons of Xew York City, from 
which he was graduatetl in 1864. Being under age, however, he did not re- 




HENRY S. WHITE 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 459 

ceive the degree of M. D. from that institution until March, 1866. In 1864 
he enlisted in the United States Army, was appointed Acting Assistant Sur- 
geon, and was assigned to duty in the army of the James, where he remained 
till the close of the war, performing efficient service at the front and in the 
hospitals. For many years he has been prominent in Grand Armv matters, 
both at home, in the state and in the nation, and from February, 1895, to lune, 
1896, was commander of the department of New Jersey. G. A. R. 

Returning from the army Dr. White practiced medicine for two years in 
Red Bank. New Jersey, and then decided to adopt the legal profession. He 
read law with Charles H. WafTord, of Red Bank, and with Hon. \Villiani A. 
Lewis, of Jersey City, was graduated from Columbia Law School, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar of New York as attorney and counselor in June, 1870. He 
was admitted to the New Jersey bar as an attorney in November, 1872, and as 
counselor just three years later, and since the former year has successfully 
practiced his profession in Jersey City. He resides in Red Bank. 

Dr. White was an Assistant Collector of the Port of New York, located at 
Jersey City from 1878 to 1882, and on August 22, 1890, was appointed United 
States District Attorney for New Jersey, to succeed George S. Duryee, of New- 
ark, who had resigned. Soon after his admission to the bar he was made a 
Special Master in Chancery. On November 3, 1876, he was appointed United 
States Commissioner. In 1888 he was a delegate to the National Republican 
Convention at Chicago, which nominated Benjamin Harrison for President. 
He is a director of the Hudson County National Bank of Jersey City, vice-presi- 
dent of the Navesink National Bank of Red Bank, and counsel and director 
for several large corporations. 

November 19, 1878, Dr. XMiite was married to Annie H.. daughter of e.x- 
Judge Amzi C. McLean, of Freehold, New Jersey, and a granddaughter on her 
mother's side of John Hull, a soldier in the Revolutionary Army, who was cap- 
tured by the British and held a prisoner in New York. The\- have one daugh- 
ter. Marearetta P. 



BRITTON D. EVANS, M. D. 

Dr. Evans is one of the most conspicuous and honored representatives of 
the medical profession in New Jersey, and yet has not attained the prime of life. 
He was born in Caroline county, Maryland, in 1858, and is a son of Dr. Louis 
W. Evans, who was born in Ohio: during a temporary residence of his parents 
in that state. His father. Colonel Brittdn Evans, had been sent there on a gov- 
ernment commission. He was a direct descendant of Chrismas Evans, the 
eminent Welsh divine. .A. gentleman of fine military attainments, he was com- 
missioned lieutenant of artillery in the War of 1812. and served under Gen- 
eral Harrison, taking an active part in the l)attle in which Colonel Johnson, 
afterward vice-president of the United States, is said to have killed the chief 
Tecumseh. and also in the battle of River Raisen, where he distinguished himself 
for bravery. He took part in the war with Mexico, the Florida war. and at the 
time of his death was organizing a company to go to Greece to help her in her 



46o BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

struggle for indepeiulence against Turkey. His original commission, signed 
by Presidents Monroe and Madison, and also the original credentials wliicli 
enabled him to organize a company in aid of the Greeks, are in possession of his 
grandson, Dr. Evans, the subject of this sketch. 

The most active part of his life was spent in or near Philadelphia, hut he 
owned summer residences in the lower counties of New Jersey, where his family 
spent much time and made many warm and devoted friends. He had live 
sons and four daughters, and three of his sons were physicians. 

The second son, Dr. Louis Evans, father of our subject, was a graduate 
of two of the medical schools of Philadelphia, and practiced for many years in 
that city.' He was twice married, his tirst union being with Miss Patton. of 
Philadelphia. After her death he removed to Maryland, where he married 
Miss L. Boone, a direct descendant of Daniel Boone, the celebrated Kentucky 
pioneer. Their eldest child, born October i. 1858, was christened Britton 
Duroc Evans. Under the parental roof he was reared, and in Maryland ac- 
quired an academic education which served as an excellent foundation u])on 
which to base his knowledge. Determining to make the practice of medicine 
his life work, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore, 
where he was graduated in the class of 1885. His success in his chosen calling 
was marked and immediate. He first located in Millington, Kent county, 
Maryland, and after two years was appointed upon the staff of surgeons of the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Without solicitation on his part, he was 
called to the position of Assistant Medical Superintendent of the Maryland 
Hospital for the Insane, in which capacity he served for nearly five years. He 
then resignetl. in order to accept the medical su])erintendency of the Maryland 
Institution for the Feeble Minded, and after a very short period he was offered 
the position of medical director of the New Jersey State Hospital at Morris 
Plains. He had made no apjilication for this position; it came as the spon- 
taneous recognition of his superior ability, and a desire to procure excellent 
service for the institution. His efficiency in other hospitals had gained him a 
reputation which had extended far and wide, and he was selected as the most 
capable man that could be chosen for the large hospital near Morristown. 

On the 1st of June. 1892. Dr. Evans entered ii])on his duties, and for more 
than five years has remained in charge, during which time he has raised the 
standard of the institution until it ranks with the best in the country. The 
patients are the insane of Xew Jersey, and as a specialist in this line. Dr. 
Evans has gained great eminence. He has studied closely, thought deeply 
and carried his investigation far and witle into the realms of medical science, 
thus becoming cognizant of many valuable truths hitherto unknown to the pro- 
fession, the practical utility of which he has demonstrated in successful practice. 
Among the distinguishing features of his ailministration at Morris Plains is the 
reduction of the use of mechanical restraints among the patients, and the num- 
ber of patients now under such restraint is less than one per cent. 
Outdoor amusements have been established on a broader plane, and 
have become a potent factor in the treatment of the insane. .■K 
pathological laboratory has also been organized under the direction of Dr. 
Evans, and is second to none in the world. He also established a training 
sclioiil for nurses, which has proved an important factor. He became con- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 461 

vinced that the ill in the hospital needed the attention of a higher grade of 
nurses and a more intelligent service than he was able to command, unless 
some means should be established which would give his nurses and attendants 
a thorough course of training. After carefully investigating the matter and 
giving it due consideration, in the early part of 1894, he presented the subject 
to the Board of Managers for their approval and support, which was obtained, 
and in the following autumn classes were organized and a course of lectures 
arranged, whereby the nurses could be instructed and thus be better qualified 
for the important work which is given to their charge. This meant additional 
work for Dr. Evans and his staff, but it was needed, and he did not stop at the 
personal sacrifice it would require. The institution is already reaping the bene- 
fit of the system. The course of training necessary to graduation in this school 
is two years, and fifty-two have thus far received diplomas, of which number 
forty-eight are still at their posts, rendering to the hospital a service noble and 
commendable. 

Dr. Evans was also instrumental in causing the removal of some high board 
fences which shut out the sunlight and also cut ofif the public view, making it 
possible for the nurses to neglect their charges, leaving them sometimes untidy 
in dress, and oftentimes leaving them to their own devices, that is often in- 
jurious to a disordered mind, which should be occupied by healthful, bright 
thoughts. The Doctor did away with these abuses by the removal of the 
fences, and thus brought about a more careful supervision by the nurses. The 
medical library of the hospital also received his attention and has been greatly 
improved; in fact, advancement and Ijeneficial progress have marked every 
department of the institution 

Dr. Evans has won an enviable reputation as an e.xpert on insanity and 
his ability on its medico-legal aspect has for years been recognized by the legal 
fraternity of this and other states. He has been employed on numerous im- 
portant trials in New Jersey and New York since his connection with the State 
Hospital at Morris Plains, in all of which his work gave evidence of a thorough 
knowledge of his subject and justly made for him a place among the first in 
this specialty. His contributions to the medical literature of the world on 
nervous and mental diseases have been mmierous and valuable. He is a mem- 
ber of the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of the State of Maryland, one of the 
oldest and most prominent medical organizations in that state, including in its 
membership the most honored scientific men of the John Hopkins University, 
College of Phvsicians and Surgeons, L'niversity of Alaryland and most of the 
leading private practitioners of the State. He belongs to the .\inerican Med- 
ical Association, the Medical Society of New Jersey, the Medico-Legal Society 
of New York, the American Medico-Psychological Association, the National 
Society for the Study and Care of Epileptics or Insane, the National Conference 
of Charities and Corrections, is ex-president of the Morris County Medical So- 
ciety, and an honorarv member of the Temperance Reform League of Boston, 
a society organized for the scientific study and cure of inebriety. 

Of various benevolent and social organizations Dr. Evans is also a mem- 
ber. He is a Royal Arch and Knight Templar Mason, a Noble of the Mystic 
Shrine, and is Past Sachem of the Improved Order of Red Men. and a mem- 
ber of the Royal .Arcanum. In politics he is thoroughly conservative, believ- 



462 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSRY. 

ing in good government and in advocating tlie candidates who will labor most 
earnestly for that end. He never allows political or religious preferences to 
bias him in the selection of a member of the ho.-pital corps or physicians or 
attendants. 

In i88g the Doctor was united in marriage to .Miss Addie E. Dill, a native 
of Maryland, but at that time a resident of Wilmington, Delaware. They now 
have two daughters and a son. Mrs. Evans is a daughter of a Methodist min- 
ister, and she and her husl)and are members of the .Methodist cliurch Out- 
side of his office, as well as in. the Doctor is found to be a man of pleasing ]ier- 
sonality and many social graces, of kindly, generous nature, and superior mental 
endowments, and his many agreeable traits of character have won him a host 
of warm and admiring friends. His life work is one of inmieasurable useful- 
ness, and his labors have made him worthy to be numbered among the benefac- 
tors of the race. 



ABRAM JORALEMON, 



A well known citizen and manufacturing jeweler of Newark. New Jersey, was 
born in lielleville. Xew Jersey, on January 29. 1834. and is the son of John 
and .Margaret Joralemon. who were among the early citizens of this ]>art of 
the State. 

Mr. Joralemon was educated in the connnon schools. He has been a citi- 
zen i)f .Vewark for nearly fifty years, during which time he lias estalilished both 
a business and public record of the very best. He is a Re|)ublican in politics 
and is serving as a member of the Fioard of -Street and Water Commissioners 
of Newark. He is president of the Fourteenth Ward Iluilding and Loan .\s- 
sociation. He is a member of the Odd Fellow Fraternity of the Calvary Pres- 
byterian church, and of the Garfield Club. 

1?! Decendier. 1858. .Mr. Joralemon was married to .Sarah ( ). Cadnnis. and 
to their union the folk)wing children have been born: .Milton, bcirn Novem- 
ber 7. 1859: Charles L., born January 12. 1861; Willard. born October 7. 1863. 
and died .March 8. 1889: Delia. l)orn June 24. 1871. and Flora F.. born Febru- 
ary I, 1876. 



WARREN S. BALDWIN. 



Whose efforts in behalf of the etlucational. moral, social and conmiercial inter- 
ests of Bloomfield, makes his life record an indispensable part of the history of 
Essex c<jimty. was born in the town whose interests he advanced so largely. 
June 7. 1812. His ancestral history was one of close connection with the 
progress of the county from its earliest epoch. In 1674 the town meeting 
"agreed that weavers. Thomas Pierson and P.enjamin Italdwin shall be consid- 
ered by the surveyors to make their out-lots on the hill shorter." The family 
is descended from this Benjamin Baldwin who was "chosen to collect the 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 463 

money that is gathered by the subscription in Newark for the maintenance of 
the ministry in the year 1692. It will thus be seen that from the earliest con- 
nection of the Baldwins with the history of this county they have been prom- 
inent in church work and in sustaining all interests tending toward the public 
good. Benjamin Baldwin made his will in 1762, and probably died soon after- 
ward in the Newark settlement. Benjamin Baldwin, Jr., his son, died before 
any division of his father's property had taken place, and his brother Joseph, 
1732, became owner of "the plantation at Watsesson, where he now lives." on 
the south side of the Second River, as far as the Old road and Harrison street. 
David, the son of Benjamin, Jr., married Eunice, daughter of Daniel Dodd, 
settled on the one hundred acres of land on the west side of Third River, and 
became the founder of a large family. Shortly after the revolution the 
Baldwin family became the most numerous of the early families in this part of 
the Newark colony. Jesse, the son of David, was a well known soldier and 
ofificer in the army, held the rank of First Ensign, then Lieutenant, was Quar- 
termaster, and later was transferred as Ouartermaster to the regular army. 

The father of our subject was Samuel Baldwin, a man of sterling worth, 
whose career was cut short by death at the early age of thirty-five years. The 
only brother of \\'arren died a year later, in 1818, and thus at the age of six 
years, he was the only member of the family left to the mother. She was in 
limited circumstances, and as years passed he contributed to her support from 
his earnings as a boy and man. At the age of twenty he embarked in mer- 
chandising, and his excellent business habits and honorable straightforward 
methods were soon recognized by the public, who accordingly gave him a lib- 
eral patronage. In later years he associated with his sons, under the firm name 
of Warren S. Baldwin & Sons, and their establishment was one of the most 
popular in the town. By close attention to business, energy, perseverance and 
sound judgment he won a handsome competence and ranked among the 
stibstantial citizens of the conuiuuiity. 

Mr. Baldwin took a deep interest in public matters as afifecting the weal or 
woe of his country, and his support was generously given to all measures calcu- 
lated to prove of public benefit. The cause of education found in him a zeal- 
ous and faithful friend. He aided in procuring the school law of 1840, was 
treasurer of the school district for the long period of twenty-four years, and had 
the satisfaction of seeing the school system buildings make a decided advance. 
He was a life long member of the Presbyterian church, was made a member 
of its session, for thirty-five years was a member of its Board of Trustees, and 
discharged the duties of secretary, treasurer or president of that body for a long 
period. At his death he left a bequest of one thousand dollars to the church 
which he had served with such fidelity and affection Mr. Baldwin was also 
called to a number of civic positions of honor and trust. He was repeatedly 
a member of the Township Committee, and between the years 1851 and 1871 
was nine times an incumbent of the office of Commissioner of .\ppeals. He 
was a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the county, and in 1856 
was elected to represent his district in the State Legislature. 

The home life of Mr. F.aldwin was most pleasant. Fie was hapiiily married 
December 16. 1841. to Miss Eliza1)eth Wilde, daughter of James Wilde, of 
Bloomfield, and their faniilv nuniljered four sons and three daughters. .Mrs. 



464 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JhRSEY. 

Baldwin also was a member of the Presl)yterian cluircli. shared with Jier hus- 
band in all iiis church and benevolent work, and was to him indeed a hel])niate 
and coni])anion. ( )n the 30th of August. Mr. Baldwin closed his eyes in death, 
and the entire community mourned the loss of a valued citizen and faithful 
friend, while his family mourned for a loving and tender husband and father. 
His life was noble, honorable, kindly and just, and his re])utation was unas- 
sailable, so that he left to his S(jns and daughters not only the accunudations 
of a successful business career, but the priceless heritage of a good name, which 
is rather to be chosen than great riches. 



WILLIAM A. BALDWIN. 



The department of biography is crowded with lives of men distinguished 
in war. ])olitics. science, literature and the professions. .\11 the embelishments 
of rhetoric and the imagination have been employed to captivate, stimulate, 
and direct in these "upper walks of life" the youthful mind and ambition of 
the country. The result of this system is manifest, and by no means fortunate. 
The ranks of the professions are filletl to overflowing. To instill into the 
minds and hearts of the young respect for great attainments, reverence for 
great virtues, and to excite to generous emulation by holding up, as examples 
for admiration and imitation, the lives of the wise, the great and good, is com- 
mendable and right. But the field of example should be extended: the lessons 
of industry, energy, usefulness, virtue, honor, the true aims of life and the true 
sources of happiness should be gathered and enforced from all the various prov- 
inces of labor. The path of labor and usefulness should be indicated as the 
highway of honor. 

One who has walked in this jiath and has achieved distinction in the world 
of commerce and gained the highest regartl of his fellow men is Mr. ISaldwin, 
whose name introduces this review. He was born in Bloomfield, Xew Jersey, 
February 16. 1851. and is a son of Warren S, and Elizabeth (Wilde) Baldwin. 
He was reared in bis native town and attended the public schools, pursuing 
his studies in the school conducted by Professor Charles M. Davis, a ntjted 
educator. (Jn leaving that institution he entered Princeton College of Xew 
Jersey, as a member of the Sophomore Class, and was graduated in 1872. Im- 
mediately afterward he entered upon his lousiness career, embarking in mer- 
chandising in connection with his two brothers. James W. and Edward W.. un- 
der the firm name of J. W. Baldwin & Brothers, dealers in general merchan- 
dise. This partnership has since been maintained, and the store, located at 
No. 438 Broad street, is stocked with a large line of goods, which indicates the 
extensive trade which they have built uj). Their business methods conmiend 
them to the public ])atninage. and their earnest desire to please their customers, 
combined with their honorable dealings, has brought them a large and profitable 
business. 

( )ur subject has not confined his attention alone to merchandising, and his 
ability is such as to enable him to conduct successfully more than one enter- 
prise. In 1889 he was instrumental in establishing the F"irst National Bank in 




IRA A. KIP, JR. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 465 

Bloomfield, of which he is now vice-president, while Thomas C)akes is filhni:; the 
office of president. This bank is considered one of the rehable financial con- 
cerns of Essex county, and has been of material benefit to the community as 
well as to the stockholders. 

In his political views Mr. Baldwin is a Republican, and has been a mem- 
ber of the Board of Education since 1880, filling the office of district clerk, and 
taking great interest in the cause of the schools, laboring earnestly for their 
advancement. He also served for three years as chairman of the Township 
Connnitte. He holds a membership in the First Presbyterian church and for 
a number of years has served as trustee and ruling elder. His life is one of un- 
questioned integrity, of fidelity to duty and of sterling worth, and he has a host 
of warm friends throughout the conununitv. 



IRA ANDRUS KIP, JR., 



A well known business man of New York City, with residence at South Orange, 
New Jersey, was born 'at Passaic, New Jersey, and is the son of Ira Andrus Kip, 
a broker of New York City. The first ancestor of the Kip family, of whom 
any mention is made in history, was Rulofif de Kype, of Bretajne. France, born 
in 1 5 10. Ke was a warm partisan of Francois, due de Guise, the bigoted leader 
of the Catholic party. On the triumph of the Protestants he fled to Holland, 
but in 1569 returned to France and joined the army of the due d'Aujon, and fell 
in battle near Jarnac. Of his three sons, Ruloff was the only one to marry. 
He became a Protestant and died in 1596, leaving a son Hendrick, who in 1635 
came with his wife and family to America, and was the first ancestor of the 
Kip family in New Amsterdam. He obtained, in 1643, a patent for a plot of 
land near the fort, in what is now Bridge street, near Whitehall street. In 
1647 he was one of the men appointed by Governor Stuyvesant's Council to 
assist the Governor and Council, and also held this office in 1649-50. He was 
a Schepen in 1656, and admitted to the rights of a great Burgher in 1659. The 
arms of the family were painted on the stained glass widow of the first church 
erected in New Amsterdam, and were also carved in stone over the door of the 
Kip's Bay House, built by his son Jacobus. His son, Hendrickson, married 
Anna, daughter of Nicassius de Sille. first councillor of Governor Stuyvesant, 
and with Hendricksen's son Cornelis. was started the New Jersey branch of 
the family. Cornelis, with George du Remos, bought, in 1720, si.x hundred 
acres of land near Paterson, New Jersey, for which they paid two hundred and 
seventy pounds. The Kip homestead remained there until 1867. Ira .\n- 
drus Kip, Jr.. is the seventh in direct line from Cornelis. 

Ira A. Kip, Sr., was born at Passaic, New Jersey, on July 16, 1845, and was 
married on June 13, 1866, to Mary Roe, who was born at Paterson, New Jersey, 
on October 11, 1846. On the maternal side were three generations of Gover- 
nors descended from Dolor Davis, who was Governor of Massachusetts. Da- 
vis Long, our present Secretary of Navy, is also a member of this family. 

Ira A. Kip, jr., was educated in various private schools and at Columbia 

30 



466 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XKW JERSEY. 

Instiiiitc. .Ww York Lily, tjrailiiatiiia; iroui tlie latter in 1887. Leaving sdiool 
wlien seventeen years of age he ttjok his first employment in the fall of 1887 
with Henry H. Crocker & Co., East India merchants, of which firm his father 
was a member. With the exception of several months spent in a triji over 
Euro]je, and at another time to South America and through the Windward 
Islands, he remained with this firm until i8i)6. In the si)ring of the latter year 
Mr. Ki]) spent several months traveling through the West for pleasure, and at 
the same time looking over railroad properties in which he was interested. 
Upon his return he and his father organized the firm of Ira A. Kip & Co., hemp 
ini[)()rters and brokers. .Mr. Ki]) is a director in the Brooklyn Union, and the 
Brooklyn City Elevated Railroad, and is also interested in luuuerous railroads, 
gas companies and corporations. 

In the spring of 1888 Mr. Kip entered the Seventh Regiment, X. G. S. .\'. 
Y., from which organization he -was discharged in October, 1894. He is a 
member of the Holland Society, the Calumet Clul), the Down Town Associa- 
tion, the Ardsley Club, the Essex County Country Club, the Orange Riding 
and Driving Club, and the Orange and South ( )range I'ield Clubs. In .-Xpril. 
1900, he was elected President of the village of South C^range by a large ma- 
jority. 

He has Ijeen interested in fine horses for several years, and has been a 
successful exhibitor at the various horse shows with his high steppers in four- 
in-hand and other harness classes. 

.Mr. Kip was married, in 1893, to Katharine Flower, daughter of John D. 
and .\bigail (Bullard) Flower, who was born in Theresa, New York. The 
father is a brother to the late Governor Roswell P. Flower, of New 'S'ork. 
Three children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Kip. 



CHARLES N. LOCKWOOD. 

In making a historical study of the families who came first to .-\merica from 
England and other ( )ld World countries, it has become a noticeable fact that 
families of brothers so often are found coming together or singly to the New 
^\'orld, and settling in its various regions, each for himself choosing, it may be a 
different locality. ( if the four brothers who came from England and who first 
represented the family of Lockwood in .America, John, the father of the sub- 
ject of our sketch, is descended from the one who belonged to the Coimecticut 
Colony, and who was, undoubtedly, one of those early colonists to whom be- 
longed the after strength of the country. In the County of York, England, 
there is a township called Lockwood which derived its name from the Lock- 
wood estates in a very remote ])eriod of English history. 

Mr. John Lockwood, father of Charles X. Lockwood. was born in Green- 
wick, Connecticut, and married Leah Smyth, of New \'ork City, his father was 
among the i)atriots of his day, and served in the Revolutionary War, and his 
son. John, father of the subject of this sketch, was one of the patriots of 1812, 
.MtlKuigh Charles N. Lockwood never served his country, under arms, it is a 
fact that will be well remembered by all who knew him. that his bearing was 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



467 



unquestionably that of a military man. this we may attribute, at least in some 
degree, to descent from two generations of soldiers. 

Air. Lockwood may be spoken of as a self-made man, his education was 
that of the schools of his native cit}' and his talent for practical business led 
him, in vouth, to a manufacturing life. 

Born in New York Citv in 1814, he came, in 1825, to Newark. New Jersey, 
where he spent the remainder of his life, engaged as a silver plater and manu- 




CHARLE.S N. LOCKWOOD. 

facturer of coach lamps. His f^rm, that of C. X. Lockwood & Coiupany made 
and maintained for itself a name for brsiness integrity and manufacturmg ex- 
cellence second to none other in the country. 

Mr. Lockwood was a man interested in his city affairs, he held office as an 
Alderman, and served on the Board of Chosen Freeholders. He was an 
incorporator of the First National Bank of Newark, New Jersev. a director 
in the Dime Savings Bank and the American Trust Company. He was also 
vice-president of the Consumer's Coal Company. Although for a number of 
years an Odd Fellow, Mr. Lockwood had not of later years taken an active 
part in the duties of the order. For over forty years he was a faithful and 
devoted member of Trinity Episco])al church 



468 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

.Mr. Lockwood was twice married, his first wife was Fannie, daughter of 
Hester and Samuel W'inans. of Elizabeth. New Jersey: of their family of six 
children, three sons and three daughters, but two daughters survive their 
parents, Mrs. J. A. Ingrahani ant! .Mrs. .M. F. Casebolt. .Mr. Lockwood mar- 
ried second. Miss Charlotte Fiurnett. The eldest son of Mr. Lockwood. C. 
C. Lockwood now deceased, was an officer in the Civil war. thus showing, in 
the fourth generation, the loyal heart of his ancestors. 

Mr. Lockwood will be remembered as. in the highest sense, a gentleman, 
a good citizen, true to his party interests and his country's best welfare, a good 
churclniiaii, and a Christian lnved bv those who knew iiini. 



WHEELOCK HENDEE PaRMLY. D. D.. 

Was born at Craintree. \ crniont. July 27th. 1816. He died .August ist. 1894, 
at the age of seventy-eight, after a faithful ministry of many years. He was 
the son of Randolph Parmly and Elizabeth 1!. .Murray, the former of English 
and the latter of Scotch descent. 

His father was born in Randol|)h. \'ermont. January 15th. 1783. and was 
the first male child born in that village, and at the request of the selectmen of 
the town his parents named him Randolph, after the town. Randolph was 
the son of Jahial Parmly and Eunice Hendee. The latter was a niece of 
Eleazer W'heelock, the founder and first president of Dartmouth College. 

His mother was born in Chester, Xew Hampshire, .May lyth. 1782, and 
was the daughter of Robert Murray and Jane Ramsey. Her i)arents had 
moved into the State of N'ermont from the State of Xew Hampshire in 1795. 
It will thus be seen that Wheelock came of good Xew England stock. 

When four years of age he removed with the family to Hancock, and three 
years later to .Middlelniry. \erniont. .After a seven years' residence at .Middle- 
')ury the family came to the .'^tate of Xew Jersey, and located at Shrewsbury, 
in .Monmouth county. During the next eight years he remained there and 
thence removed to Xew York City in 1838. While his parents did all in 
their power to give him a good early training, as their means were limited, he 
was in a great measure dependent on his own efforts for his education. Dur- 
ing his residence at Shrewsbury he prepared himself for college by teaching 
and performing other work of various kinds which he found to do. He was 
always a great P>ible reader even at this early age, and this characterized his 
entire life. Though his parents were not members of any church at this time, 
they attended with their children the Episcopalian church. Wheelock, how- 
ever, convinced of the truth of their principles, adopted the faith and practice 
of the Baptist denomination and amid considerable opposition, not only from 
his family, but from the clergy of the church of his parents, was ba])tized in the 
Shrewsbury River, August 3d, 1834, anil connected himself with the Uainist 
church at Middletown, Xew Jersey, this being the nearest church of that faith 
to his home. Many of the present members of that old church remember how- 
faithful he was in his attendance on worship, and how active he was in all 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 469 

departments of church work, even though it was necessary for him to travel 
many miles in order to reach his church home. 

He entered Columbia College in the City of New York in 1838, and gradu- 
ated with honor from that institution in 1842. In scholarship during his col- 
lege course he stood high, as is evidenced by the many tokens presented to 
him and to which he often referred with much pride. About the time he en- 
tered college he united with the old Amity street Baptist church of New York 
City, of which Rev. Dr. William R. Williams was the pastor. He then formed 
a close friendship with that eminent divine, and with Rev. Dr. Spencer H. Cone, 
also of New York City. These friendships lasted until the death of these dis- 
tinguished ministers. It was undoubtedly from these great teachers that he 
learned many of the principles which made him so successful in life. 

Upon leaving college he was confronted with the problem that all young 
men must solve, and that was, to determine his vocation for life. He had been 
urged to take up the ministry by many who thought he was peculiarly fitted 
for that profession. 

He prepared himself for his life work by a thorough course of study at 
Madison Theological Seminary, and graduated in August, 1855. It was Madi- 
son University which conferred on him the title of Doctor of Divinitv, August 
6th, 1867. 

At once his peculiar fitness for the ministry was recognized by all who met 
him. A call was soon given to him to become the pastor of the Harlem Bap- 
tist church of New York City. This he refused, for during his course of study 
at the seminary his health had become impaired and a serious trouble with his 
eyes had developed. Rest was urged by his physician. He agreed to seek 
it by a journey in the South. After a sea voyage of three weeks he reached 
New Orleans. He could not rest long, however, and so pleased was he with 
his reception by the southern people, and so interested did he become in the 
colored race, that he immediately began to preach. He was soon requested 
to accept tlie assistant pastorate of the Baptist church at Clinton. Louisana. 
This he did and remained there for two years. During this time he became 
a great friend of the negro, and frequently he visited their cabins and in the 
midnight hours listened to them while they related to him their trials and troub- 
les, which they always did with fear and trembling lest their masters should 
overhear them. He took hold of the slavery question fearlessly and drew 
crowds of both friends and enemies to hear him advocate human rights. He 
never lost his interest in that race of people. Even when he moved North, his 
home was the shelter of many a fugitive slave. He made friends wherever 
he went, and often referred to his residence in the south as "among the happiest 
times of his life." It was undoubtedly during his residence there that he ac- 
quired his habit of great hospitality, which was one of the characteristics of his 
home always. 

On November 15th. 1847, 'it' accepted a call to the Ba])tist church at Shell- 
burne Falls, Massachusetts. It was shortly after he had accepted this call that 
he married Katherine Dunbar, a daughter of the Rev. Duncan Dunbar of the 
McDugal street Baptist church. New York City. Certainly no minister was 
ever more blessed in the selection of a wife than was he. She was a woman 



470 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

lovely ill every phase of character, strung in faith, wise in judgnieni. remark- 
able for patience, prayerful and zealous in every good work. 

He remained at Shellburne I'alls for two years, and then realizing that the 
winter climate of the Berkshire hills was too hard for his constitution, he re- 
luctantly resigned his pastorate and accepted a call to the Bai)tist church at 
Burlington, Xew Jersey, where he went in the month of May, 1850. 

For nearly five years he remained the pastor of the church at Burlington, 
and during that time that church grew mightily. It was while on a visit to 
Jeresy City that he preached to the people there, and so pleased were they that 
they urged him to make that church his home, as they were without a pastor. 
He hesitated about any change, as he was so happy in his church relations, and 
when the call actually came to him to come to Jersey City, it was a matter of 
great concern and it was with the greatest reluctance that he decided to accept 
it. He did, however, accept the call to Jersey City, and entered upon his labors 
in that city on September ist, 1854, at the age of thirty-eight. He continued in 
the pastorate of this church to the time of his death, a ])eriod of forty years, 
lacking one month. 

In reviewing the first quarter of a century of his connection with this 
church, he said, "I have been sometimes misunderstood and even misjudged 
by unreasonable people, and notwithstanding that darkness and misjudgment 
have frec|uently been my portion. I contemplate the years with grateful joy and 
call them hajjpy years. With my own labors and workings as a pastor, I am 
dissatisfied on account of seeming profitlessness, yet I have never known and 
I do not know of a thing I would not do to win souls to Christ. I have lived 
conscientiously for. the pcoi^le of Jersey City, and my ]irivate interests have al- 
ways yielded to public duties. When I recall the numerous demands for time 
and labor of a public nature outside of my immediate congregation and yet con- 
nected with the same blessed cause, I do not know that I could much improve 
it were I to pass this same period over again. How far my n'inistry has been 
a success is not for me to say. The judgment alone will decide tliat." 

As he entered the church when he first assumed the pastorate, the con- 
gregation arose and sang that beautiful hynui of Montgomery's, of which the 
following is a part: 

"We bid thee welcome in the name 

Of Jesus our Exalted Head: 
Come as a servant, so he came. 

And we receive thee in his stead." 

"Come as a messenger of peace. 

Filled with his spirit, fired with love. 
Live to behold our large increase. 

And die to meet us all above." 

This was the only installation lie ever had at Jersey City. In fact it was one 
of his peculiarities that he did not think that anything was gained by a iiublic 
installation of any minister. He thought the sooner one cpiietly began his 
wor'- the better. It was very gratifying to him. however, that he could live 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 471 

to behokl the large increase which was thus suggested at his coming. He 
did remain as the faithful servant of that church until the month of September, 
1887, when at the age of seventy-one he realized the fact that he was unable 
longer to bear the burden of the pastorate alone, and at his own request the 
church called to his aid an associate pastor. Two years later he again re- 
quested the church to relieve him entirely of the active pastoral duties. They 
did so and he was made, by an unamimous vote of the church, its pastor emeri- 
tus. Since then the active duties have been performed by Rev. H. B. Steel- 
man, who was compelled to resign after a short stay in Jersey City owing to ill 
health, and by the present pastor. 

One thing is very noticeable in the entire ministerial life of Dr. Parmly, 
and that was that he never left any church where he has sustained pastoral re- 
lations by reason of any unpleasantness, or when the church was in a state- of 
discord. His people were strongly attached to him wherever he labored, and 
in the formation of other churches which went out from his church in Jersey 
City, none were the result of a "split" as it is commonly termed in the church, 
but the members always withdrew with the good washes and prayers of both 
the pastor and the people. 

As a pastor he certainly excelled. C)nce each year he endeavored to call 
on every family in his congregation, and his visits to those who were sick were 
frequent. He believed in this method and certainly it added largely to his 
success in his pastoral relations. 

It is unnecessary to weary the reader with many statistics, yet a few will not 
be amiss in connection with his pastorate in Jersev City. Over one thousand 
were received into the church and more than thirteen hundred others were bap- 
tized by him during his ministry in that city. He preached over five thousand 
sermons and made adresses on public occasions to an equal number. He at- 
tended eighteen hundred and fifty-four funerals and his records also show that 
he performed fourteen hundred and twenty-five marriages, in many cases those 
of the parents first and then of the children after. During his ministry in Jer- 
sey City the church raised nearly three hundred thousand dollars. Fifty 
thousand was also raised for purel\' Ijenevolent purposes. These statistics, 
however, only tell part of the story of his pastorate. To know all one nuist 
have known him. 

It was about the time that Dr. Parmly gave up the active duties of the 
church that he penned these words: 

"In looking over this long period I have abundant reason for gratitude and 
praise. My life has been full of care, labor and sorrow, but over and al)ove 
all, as sunshine on the troubled sea, I have had blessings many and great. The 
highest of all I count this, that I have had the opportunity of being useful. Far 
short, indeed of doing what I could and should have done I come, and my fail- 
ure I lament before God this day. But it has been the daily governing and 
abiding principle and purpose in my life, in strength and weakness, in youth, 
manhood and old age, in the pulpit, in ijrivate. and in public, everywhere and 
always, to be useful in seeking to make the world better and happier. Thus 
would I glorifv God and enjoy him. How little I have accomplished God 
know^s full well, and I take no credit for anything, excejit that I have sought 
Divine aid, and with it have tried to live for others and not for myself. All 



472 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

whom I have known I have tried to serve, as God gave nie the opportunity. 
Thus have I lived, so would I die." 

Dr. Parmly had dwelt a great deal during his illness upon the pleasures 
he had deprived in his boyhood days from being in the country. Upon his 
partial recovery to health in the spring of 1894, in order that he might again 
enjoy some of that country life of which he was so great a lover, tlie family 
took a cottage on the shores of Long Island. He enjoyed his summer months 
there very much, taking a daily ride over that beautiful country. It seemed to 
give him new life and add interest to his days. His children hoped for his recov- 
er}-, but God had ordained otherwise. His work was ended. It was from this 
place that he was to be called home. It was here that he was to receive an 
answer to his frequent prayer for a quiet release from earth. He certainly had 
it, for he gently "fell to sleep," just after midnight on the morning of the first 
day of August, 1894. L'pon his face there rested an expression of perfect 
peace, and those who looked on him felt that his long struggle with sin and 
error was ended, that the battle had been fought and that victory was his. This 
was the serene and happy ending of a life which had been filled with so much 
activity and crowned with such honor. That life went out at a touch, as light 
as that of 

"Summer's evening's latest sigh 
Which shuts the rose." 

Having thus briefly recorded the events in the life of a faithful servant of God it 
is but fitting to conclude by saying that the highest qualities of a true Christian 
minister belonged to Wheelock H. Parmly. Just, loyal, generous, gentle, kind, 
firm in thought and speech, faithful in his undertakings and useful in his life, 
he has earned the honor which has been paid him. \'ery few men leave this 
world with as much affection from those with whom he had mingled and as 
sincerely loved and esteemed as he. His memory may safely be trusted to the 
people with whom he lived. Jersey City has had more learned and more bril- 
lant ministers of the gospel, as those terms are usually applied, but few claim 
that it ever had a better one or one more devoted to his calling. In evcr\- 
undertaking he acquitted himself faithfully and always bore himself so that 

"Suspicion raised no note of discord in the harmony of universal confii- 
dence." 

Who can wish t'^at more than this shall be said of him when the volume of 
his life is closed. 



WILLI.AAl H. PEOPLES, 



Was horn in 1857, at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He received a common school 
education, and at an early age entered the sheet iron working business, which 
trade he thoroughly mastered in all its branches. 

F'lr a number of years he was em])loyecl by a largo manufacturing com- 




ABRAHAM MANNERS 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 473 

pany located in Chicago, and during this time travelled, in their interests, visit- 
ing most of the large cities of the United States and Canada. 

In 1892 he settled permanently in Newark, and was married in 1893. 

The following year together with his brother-in-law, Oscar Jaehnig, estab- 
lished a plumbing business on Thirteenth avenue, under the name of Jaehnig 
& Peoples. 

The firm prospered and became one of the best known business houses in 
the city. 

In the Spring of 1897, Mr. Peoples was elected to represent the Sixth Ward 
in the Board of Education. His career here, though short, was notable. 

He brought into his public life, and his dealings with the schools, the same 
sturdy integrity and clear headed aljility that has made him successful in busi- 
ness. 

His sudden death, October 22d, 1898, was sincerely mourned by a host of 
friends, and especially by those connected with the work of education in this 
city. 

Honest and straightforward in his dealings with others; kind and helpful 
to his fellow men, with a genial disposition which made friends for him where- 
ever he was known, he was respected by all, and his decease regarded as a pub- 
lic calamity. 

Most of the Newark schools contain lasting remembrances of him, but on 
account of his untiring zeal and devotion to its completion the Bruce street 
school, one of the finest school buildings in the State, may be especially re- 
garded as his monument. 

Probablv few men in so short a public career have gained more love and re- 
spect from their associates. 



ABRAHAM MANNERS. 



Among the representative citizens of New Jersey who have passed away 
and who by reason of their long anl honorable career and many sterling traits 
of character are worthy of mention in the history of the State, is the late .\bra- 
ham Manners, who for forty-two years was a distinguished member of the New- 
ark bar. .Mr. :\Ianners was a native of New Jersey, having been born in fier- 
cer countv, on July 14th, 1835. He was the son of Jacob S. and .\nn Maria 
(Blackwell) Manners both of whom were descended from old New Jersey famil- 
ies. The father was a native of Hunterdon county, anl was of English descent, 
while the mother was born in }ilercer county and was of Dutch descent. 

When our subject was aliout two years of age his parents removed to Hun- 
terdon countv, where his father settled' on a farm, and it was on this old home- 
stead that he was reared and attended the common schools of the county. When 
he reached his fifteenth year he decided to take up the law as a profession, and 
began reading law, at the same time pursuing his studies at school. He then 
taught school for a time, keeping up his law studies, and in a year or so he en- 
tered the law office of Judge Bennett \'an Syckle, now of the New Jersey Su- 
preme bench, as a regular student, and continued to read law with the Judge 



474 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

until 1857, when he enlered the I'oiiglikeejjsie (Xew York) Law School, .\tter 
spending one year at this school he received his diploma, and in the spring of 
i85<;, he went West to Illinois, and settled at Taylorville for the pur])ose of 
practicing his i)rofession. But after reaching Taylorville he fell seriously ill 
and was advised by his physician to return to his home in the East, as the water 
of that locality did not agree with him. This he did, reaching home in greatly 
reduced health.. He remained at home with his jiarents until the fall of 1859, 
and then located in Newark, where he resided and practiced law until his death. 
He met with success in his profession and soon took a place among the fore- 
most lawyers of Newark. His success was due to a strong mentality, natural 
ability and aptitude, and to his energy and the faithful services lie rendered to 
his clients. He was thoroughly versed in his profession in all its branches, 
and thoroughly studied the details and points of all cases which came to hiin. 
Of him his old friend. Judge Joseph Coult. had the following to say, "He was 
faithful to every interest committed to his charge, prompt in the discharge of 
every duty and obligation, and had the confidence and resju'ct of all his clients 
among whom were many of those most prominent in the business and affairs of 
the city in which he lived." 

In his political faith Mr Manners was a stanch supporter of the Republi- 
can party and was Alderman of Newark from 1895 to 1897. having been 
earnestly solicited by his many friends to become a candidate, although he never 
had any desire to enter active political life, preferring to devote his time and 
energies to his profession. He was for some years a trustee in several large 
and important estates and also served as vice-president of the Lyon Brewing 
Com])any. 

The marriage of Mr. Manners occurred in 1864. when he was united to Miss 
ilary Ann Stout, a daughter of Charles W. Stout, of Mercer county New Jer- 
sey. One son, Fred., was born to Mr. and Mrs Manners, and he is now in 
the employ of Mr. Howard Gould of New York City. Mr. Manners died 
Novemljer 15th, 1899, after a brief illness 



JOHN TITTLE LEVERICH. 

.\mong the prominent citizens of Newark who did much for the growtli and 
development of the city and its institutions, few, if any, are better remembered 
than the late John Tuttle Leverich, who for many years was closely identified 
with the business interests of the city. Mr Leverich was born in New York 
City on .Xpril 23d, 1821, and was the son of Benjamin Leverich, who was born 
in Newtown, Long Island, where for generations the Leverichs were prominent. 
On account of the early death of his father, our subject was not permitted to 
enjoy many educational advantages, as when he was but a boy he had to go to 
work to assist in the care and support of his famil\-, consisting of a younger 
brother and sister. He was only a lad when the family removed to Newark, 
and at an early age was apprenticed to learn tlie carriage making trade with 
the late William Kennard. then a large carriage manufacturer on Market street. 
Mr. Kennard's business was burned out in the great fire of 1835. in consecjuence 




^^^/^%&^ C}V^^-^Wl^t^c^j^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 475 

of which young Leverich finished his apprenticeship at the carriage trade with 
tlie firm of J. AI. Ouiniby & Company. In Jidy. 1852, he associated himself 
with William B. Enders, under the firm name of Leverich & Enders, and estab- 
lished a carriage manufacturing plant, and as the head of this large and impor- 
tant firm he continued until his death, which occurred on January 3d, 1884. 
Mr. Lererich was connected with various other interprises and was a director 
in the Prudential Insurance Company, the Firemen's Insurance Company, and 
was also a director in the Newark Industrial Institute. He was a constant 
attendant at the Xorth Reformed church in the work of which he took great 
interest. 

In 1845, ^^^- Lererich was married to Laura Snow, who survives him, and 
resides in the old family residence on Halsey street, Newark, which he pur- 
chase and moved into in 1848. No children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lever- 
ich, but they adopted two of his nieces, one of whom, Mrs. Eva Crane, resides 
with Mrs. Leverich. 

Mr. Leverich was a man of sterling worth and strong characteristics. He 
was broad and liberal in his views, progressive and enterprising and made a suc- 
cess of his life under circumstances which would have seemed insurmountable 
to the average young man. In his intercourse with his fellow men he was 
genial and kindly, and his popularity was great among all who know him inti- 
mately or remotely. He was frqeuently solicited to accept public office at the 
hands of his party, but he was averse to political life, and always refused. Yet 
at the same time he was greatly interested in public matters, as becomes a good 
citizen, and was a member of the Democratic party. 



J. WYMAN JONES. 



It is alwavs interesting to trace the early life of men of energy, for usually 
there will be found those surroundings which foster a vigorous and indepen- 
dent character. This is aptly illustrated in the life of J. W'yman Jones. Born 
in the town of Enfield, New Hampshire, he was subjected throughout boyhood 
to the hard and healthy country life of New England: and the rugged aspect of 
nature, the exhilarating winter together with a rigorous home training, com- 
bined to produce a strong and courageous youth, eager for a conflict with the 
world. His father was a sturdy New England Justice, prominent in the af- 
fairs of his locality, and several times a member of the State Legislature. His 
mother was a woman of genuine sweetness and refinement, a direct descen- 
dant of the famous Hannah Dustin. It was the desire of both parents to keep 
their only son at home, but when his school career at Meriden Academy was 
ended he' pressed onward to Dartmoutli College, where he was admitted in 1837. 
In his class was a son of Daniel Webster. Edward Webster, who died in the 
Mexican war; Rev. Dr. Leonard Swain, of Nashua, New Hampshire, and Gard- 
ner G. Hubbard, Esquire, of Washington, D. C. 

Upon graduation, in 1841, he could not be pursuadcd to locate at home, 
and although put whollv upon his own resources, he began the study of law in 
New York Citv In 1843. he was admitted to the New York bar, and for 



476 BIOGRAPHICAT. TITSTORV OF NEW JERSEY. 

twenty years followed his profession, the latter part of the time at Utica, New 
York. Prior to his removal there he married Harriet Dwight Dana, daiifjhter 
of James Dana of Utica, and sister of professor James U. Dana, of Yale Uni- 
versity, who survived until 1882. At Utica. Mr. Jones made many warm 
friends in his profession, including the late Justice William J. l>acon. Senator 
Kernan. Joshua Spencer, and Senator Conkling. Hut advised by his physi- 
cian that he nuist lead an out of door life, he reluctantly rclin(|uislied the prac- 
tice of law to give himself to rural pursuits, although still retaining his interest 
and membership in the New York bar. In 1858. by invitation of a former 
client, then engaged in surveying the Northern Railroad of New Jersey, he 
made an examination of the proposed route, and being impressed by the natural 
beauty of the country, with characteristic daring determined to throw himself 
heartily into the develo]3ment of the region where Englewood is now located. 
He spent the summer of 1858, in securing property rights from the original 
owners, and by the autumn of that year had control of nearly all the land now 
occupied by the village. He proceeded to lay out the town, to name its streets 
and to ])rocure a survey and map of its territory. I'y the spring of 1859. he 
had moved his family to the new place and had gained for it the sup])ort of 
several valuable friends. In this same spring at a meeting of the residents, 
the name of Englewood. suggested and advocated by him. was adopted. Since 
that time Mr. Jones has been prominent in the secular and religious life of 
Englewood. and he still maintains a keen interest in its growth and welfare. 
He had the satisfaction of seeing it develop pursuant to the general plan for- 
mulated by himself, into a beautiful and progressive suburb of New York City. 
In 1865, Mr. Jones became president of the St. Joseph Lead Company, a cor- 
poration manufacturing and nnning lead in the State of Missouri, and by per- 
sistent energy he has raised the company to its present position as one of the 
largest lead producing concerns of the United States and the world. With 
this Lead Company are also associated a railway cor])oration having a road 
forty-eight miles in length, and a farming comjiany. transacting a large busi- 
ness, of both of which Mr. Jones is jiresident. He is also president of the 
Doe Run Lead Company. During the thirty years of his presidency of the 
St. Joseph Lead Company, he has si)ent nuich of his time at the mines in Mis- 
souri, where now there is a prosperous connnimity. During this entire period 
there has never been a serious strike among the men: it having been one of 
the chief concerns of the company, under the leadership of Mr. Jones, not only 
to treat its employees fairly, but also to aid in every undertaking which prom- 
ised to contribute to their pleasure, or their moral or physical welfare. 

In politics Mr. Jones has been a Republican since the days of the Free 
Soil party. .At the outbreak of the civil war. while deep in his work at Engle- 
wood, he was an ardent Northerner, frequently speaking at public meetings. 
He was many years chairman of the Republican County Executive Committee, 
and was chosen a delegate-at-large from the State of New Jersey to the presi- 
dential convention of 1872. In 1876 he was elected a delegate to the State Con- 
vention by the Englewood Republicans after he had declared himself friendly to 
Senator Roscoe Conkling. and opposed to Hon. James G. IJlaine. and siil)se- 
quently he was elected by the State Convention a delegate to the Presidential 
Convention at Cincinnati. There with five other .New Jersey delegates, he re- 




LEWIS F. LVNE 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 477 

fused to vote for Mr. Blaine, and voted on the first and every ballot for Mr. 
Hayes, who was nominated by the convention. While this course was distaste- 
ful to the Blaine adherents, so far as Mr. Jones was concerned it was in accord 
with the declarations he had previously made, and with the decision of his 
Englewood constituents In late years he has taken no active part in politics, 
but maintains a loyal adherence to his party, and an earnest concern for the 
country's prosperity. 

Personally Mr. Jones is a courtly gentleman, who is thoroughly American 
and he counts his friends among all classes of men. He possesses a keen in- 
sight into human nature, and judges quickly and accurately. He is reserved 
in manner and refined in his tastes. In 1886, he married Mrs. Salome Han- 
na Chapin, of Cleveland, Ohio. During the winter season they reside at 
Thomasville, Georgia, where they have a southern home of rare attractiveness, 
and where Mr. Jones has interested himself in the development of the aesthetic 
and the practical features of the town. They also have a charming permanent 
home at Bolton, Massachusetts, where the_\' now remain for the greaer part of 
each year. 



CAPTAIN LEWIS F. LYNE. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Clinton, Connecticut, December 8, 
1849, and comes of long lived, hardy stock. His grandfather, John P. Lyne, 
was an Englishman, who married a German lady named Susan Wittich. Henry 
A. Lyne, the father of Lewis F., was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where 
John P. Lyne was settled in the hardware business in connection with his trade 
of coppersmithing. Henry A. Lyne learned the trade of harness-maker, and 
settled in Clinton, Connecticut, where he married Susan M. Wright, whose 
father was Ca])tain Benjamin Wright, and whose mother was named Polly 
Crane, both natives of Clinton, Connecticut. 

The boyhood of Lewis F. Lyne was s]3ent very much the same as other 
boys in the town, until he reached the age of twelve years, when he entered 
his father's harness shop, and worked as an apprentice during the sununer, and 
went to school in the winter. He quickly learned to make harness. It did 
not take long to demonstrate that Lewis was out of his natural sphere, for he 
early displayed an inclination for machinery and engineering. In the vicinity 
of his home was situated two wagon sjiring and a.xle factories, also two grist 
mills whose running machinery attracted the youngster, and where he spent 
much of his time. The interest he took in mechanical work may have been con- 
sidered somewhat characteristic of his family, as his father had two brothers wlio 
were machinists. His desire for mechanical work was in opposition to his 
father's wishes, in consequence of which opposition the boy decided to leave 
home. Packing up a few articles of clothing, he shipped on lioard a coasting 
vessel, unknown to his father, who was nmcli annoyed when he learned of the 
step the vcung man had taken. .After a few months service as cook, and sailor 
before the mast, the l)oy took charge of a lighter which delivered fish to the 
Hammock ( )il Works, Chnton. At the end of the trips, as soon as the ligluer 



4/8 BIOGRArHlCAL iilSTORY OF NIIW JRRSF-.V. 

was tied I'j) alon^'side the cluck lie would jirucccd to the engine room, where he 
soiijilit all sorts of information concerning the machinery from the engineer 
in charge. One day. the engineer on being .suddenly called away, he sugges- 
ted that Lewis could run the works, which he did successfully. .\t the time 
he took hold there had been great difficulty about the draught, which <lifficulty 
he soon discovered was occasioned by the introduction of too much coal upon 
the grates at one time and which he remedied by an application of less fuel to 
his furnaces but oftener. which resulted in a saving of at least twenty-five per 
cent, to the concern. In consetpience of his having demonstrated to the satis- 
faction of his employers that the works could be ojjcrated with such decided 
saving in fuel, he was later given charge of the works. 

He bought a book on mechanical drawing, and a box of brass drawing in- 
struments, and learned to make drawings, being self taught, and it is remarkable 
to say that never in his life has he received a lesson in mechanical drawing from 
a teacher. On November ist. 1865. he entered the employ of the Raritan and 
Delaware Hay Railroad, at Manchester. New Jersey, as an apprentice. No- 
vember 1st, 1866. on account of this road being financially involved, he was 
forced to leave, and entered the works of (ieorge W. Rawson & Company, of 
Cambridgeport. Massachusetts. ( )n August 15th. 1867. he took a position 
as engineer of the Peat Fuel Works in Madison. Connecticut, and on April 
27th. 1868. he became engineer for the New England Fish Oil & fiuano 
Works, in Madison, where he remained until .August 13th. of the same year, 
when he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, at Erie, 
Pennsylvania. Here he served his time as a machinist and thoroughly 
mastered the trade, and later entered the Lake Shore Railroad shops at Cleve- 
land. ( )hio, where he remained one winter. .After a visit home, he went to 
work in the Yale Iron Works, at New Haven, Connecticut, and remained 
there urtil 1872 In January, 1872. he was employed as machinist in the 
Morris & Essex Divison of the D.. L. & W. Railroad, at Hoboken. New Jer- 
sey Here he was given all of the particularly difficult work to do. and after 
nine months service was made foreman of the erecting dejiartnient. He 
left this position in 1873. to engage in the brass foundry business and the 
manufacture of car journal bearings. Dull times prevented success so he again 
took charge of the D., L. & W. Railroad shops, and sui>erintended the fitting 
u[) of the new shops at Kingsland. New Jersey. The mechanism which oper- 
ates the signals at the D.. L. & W. Railroad tunnel under Hudson City was de- 
signed and built under his direction. While in charge of these shops, Lyne 
made many improvements, some of which may be mentioned: a hydraulic lift 
for wheel |)ress. rough bolts to be used in jilace of turned bolts in fastening 
crown bars to the top or crown sheet of the furnace in locomotives; a device for 
turning up old and worn crank pins without removing them from the wheels: 
a tool for turning brass balls for ball check valves, etc.. etc. 

In 1878. he became mechanical engineer of a weekly pajier known as the 
".American .Machinist." just startcfl. later in conse(|uence of im])aire(l health 
through too close confinement to the office, he resigned his place on the staff 
of this paper in July. 1883, and went to Chicago. Illinois, and served as judge 
at the Railway E.xposition. It is a fact worthy of note that he attached the 
first automatic sight feed lubricator cup used by the Pennsylvania Railroad 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 479, 

Company, on locomotive Xo. 44, for feeding oil directly from the cal) to the 
steam-chests in 1883, and the same _\ear Mr. Lyne introduced the famous Rich- 
ardson balance valve upon the Central Railroad of Xew Jersey, and the Del- 
aware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad. It has since become the stanlard 
valve for locomotives, being now in use on upwards of twenty thousand loco- 
motivts in this country. During his connection with the "American Machinist,'" 
he did the following work, which deserves mention; in 1880, he attached indi- 
cators in a special way and by new apparatus to locomotive Xo. 94 of the Del- 
aware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, which was really the begining of the 
present system of investigating the performance of locomotives by the a]jplica- 
tion of the steam engine indicator. He collected most of the information 
which led to the'organization of the American Society of .Mechanical Engineers, 
was one of its founders and was offered the first secretaryship of this organi- 
zation, which now has one thousand nine hundred and fifty-one mem- 
bers. 

April 11th, 1880, Mr. Lyne was appointed to witness and report the tests 
made of the steamer "Anthracite," at the Brooklyn Xavy Yard, I'nited .States 
Navy, the smallest steamer that ever crossed the ocean, up to that time. By 
special invitation, December 20th, 1880, he inspected and reported upon the 
first installation of twenty-two, two thousand candle power electric arc 
lights into Xew York City, for street lighting. His services have since lieen 
used and appreciated as an expert upon electric light and electricity. March 
nth, 1881, in company with a number of engineers and scientists, he went to 
Philadelphia, and in the laboratory of the late John W. Keely, he witnessed an 
exhibition of the famous "Keely Motor" by Mr. Keely himself. In speaking 
of this investigation, Mr. Lyne concluded that the experiments of the Keely 
motor could be all duplicated with compressed air, and that compressed air was 
undoubtedly the force that Keely employed. This has since been corroborated 
by other^experts, who, since his death, inspected Keely's laboratt/ry. 

In i'882, Mr. Lyne was selected to fill the position of master mechanic 
of one of the divisions of the Xew York, West Shore & Bufifalo Railroad, by the 
superintendent of the motor power of this road. The project fell through by 
the death of Howard Fry, S. :\I. P. Mr. Lyne was called as an expert bv the 
L'nited States government to testify in the noted boiler explosion case of the 
steamer "Sewanhaka," which occurred in 1880, and it was principally on his 
testimon\ that the case went to the jury. He holds a United States license as 
pilot and one for marine engineer. While on the "American Machinist," Mr. 
Lyne wrote upwards of eight-four special articles, under the caption of "Shop 
Kinks," which were extensively copied, together with other editorials of which 
he was the author, both in this country and in Europe. 

Mr. Lyne has resided in Jersey City for the past eighteen years and has 
been the success of the Baxter' Electric Light Company, which prior to his in- 
terest in the concern had lieen unable to furnish lights with any degree of regu- 
larity to the citv. To rectify the diflficulties was a work that required nuich 
genius, but Mr. Lvne was ecp'ial to the occasion, and his improvements though 
at first not thought practical, were so thoroughly successful that after they had 
been tested were at once accepted, and all other concerns in the business to day 
have adopted and use these improvements. He did not take out any patents 



48o BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

in tliis line, and what he did was given to the i)uljhc. Throngli his sucesses 
the present Jersey City Electric Light Company was organized. 

Mr. Lyne has taken forty-three degrees of masonry, and iii September, 
1891, he was elected by the Sni^reme Council of the Xorthern Masonic Juris- 
diction to receive the thirty-third and last degree, which honor he declined. 
He is Past Thrice Potent Grand Master of the Jersey City Lodge of Perfection 
and ser\'ed for six years. He was High Priest of Enterprise Royal Arch Chap- 
ter, of Jerse\ .City, for two years and Prelate of Hugh Depayens Commandery 
Knights Templars, of Jersey City, for four years, and held many other masonic 
offices, he being an excellent ritualist. He is also an original member of the 
American Society of Mechanical Engineers and an associate member of the 
Atnerican Railway Master Mechanic's Association, member of the American 
Institute of Electrical Engineers, and a member of both the Jersey City and 
Pavonia Yacht Clubs. Mr. Lyne is also a member of the Woman's Chris- 
tian Temperance Union, and is a passed president of the Christian Endeavor 
Society; a member and deacon in the North Baptist church of Jersey City, as- 
sociated with the Newman Rescue Mission, a director of the Young Men's 
Christian .Association, and other benevolent enterjjrises. Mr. Lyne was elec- 
ted Captain of the "Hoboken Boys in Blue." to succeed Captain B. Eraser who 
was killed in a mob. He also rendered efficent service in Company E., Ninth 
Regiment, National Guards of the State of New Jersey, during the memorable 
railroad riots of 1877. He is now Consulting Engineer of the large house of 
James Beggs & Co., of New York, having taken Mr. Beggs' place at his death 
eleven years ago. 

-Mr. Lyne was married in 1874 to Miss Mary G. Key, of Jersey City. They 
have a daughter, Susie M., and a son Lewis E. Lyne, Jr. They also lost two 
children, who died in infancy. Mr. Lyne has a general library of carefully se- 
lected books, princi])ally scientific, of about two thousand five hundred vol- 
umes, and is constantly adding to his store of practical knowledge. 



CHARLES \V. FULLER 



Is one of the foremost lawyers of Jersey City, is descended on his father's side 
from Thomas Euller, a member of that immortal band of pilgrims who came 
over in the ".Ma\ flower" in 1620. The family lived near Salem. Massachusetts, 
for many generations, and several of the name served with distinction in the 
Revolutionary \Var. His mother was of French Huguenot descent, her an- 
cestors being among the first settlers in New Rochelle. New York. From 
these two sturdy races, endowed as they were, with love of liberty and attain- 
ments of a high order, he inherits those sterling characteristics which mark 
the successful man. 

Co'onel Fuller is the son of Jesse and Elizabeth A. (Bartinc) Fuller, and 
was born in New York City. July 2. 1843. He attended the public schools 
and the College of the City of New York, until 1862. when his patriotism im- 
pelled him to enlist in the War of the Rebellion for three months, when he re- 
ceived a severe sunstroke, which incapacitated him from further duty as a sol- 




CHARLES W. FULLER 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 481 

dier. Returning to New York City, he was engaged in business until 1871, 
when he removed to his present home in Bayonne, Hudson county. New Jersey. 
During his residence in New York he rendered valuable assistance in the sup- 
pression of the draft riots of 1863, and also in the severe riots of 1871. In 

1868, he was appointed Adjutant of the Fifty-fifth Regiment, N. G., N. Y., in 

1869, was promoted to the rank of Major, and in 187 1 was commissioned Col- 
onel, and retained the conmiand of the regiment until 1874, when he resigned. 

Soon after his removal to this State, Colonel Fuller began the study of 
law with Edward A. S. Man, of Jersey City, and was admitted to the New 
Jeresy bar as an attorney in November, 1879, and as a counselor in June, 1884. 
In 1885 he was also admitted to the bar of New York. He has since practiced 
his profession in New York and New Jersey, making a specialty of corporation 
law, in which he is one of the ablest and best known authorities in the State. 
He is counsel for many large corporations, some of which he organized, and has 
been connected with a number of important law cases. His professional ca- 
reer has been both eminent and successful, and embraces an extensive practice 
in the courts of New York and New Jersey. Colonel Fuller has always mani- 
fested a deep interest in the cause of education, and for four years was a mem- 
ber of the Board of Education of the City of Bayonne. In 1885 he was elected 
by the New Jersey Legislature a trustee of the State Normal School, and a 
member of the State Board of Education, and tilled these positions with much 
ability, many reforms and improvements in the State schools being due to his 
efforts. He was first nominated for the Assembly in 1886, but was defeated 
through the severe contest for United States Senator. In 1887 he was again 
nominated and elected to the House of Assembly by over one thousand plu- 
rality, and served one term with great credit. In March, 1888. he was ap- 
pointed State Superintendent of Public Instruction by the State Board of 
Education for the term of three years, and after serving in this capacity for 
eleven months was legislated out of office by a Democratic Legislature, which 
took the power of appointment from the State Board of Education, and invested 
it in the Governor, with the ratification by the Senate. He also served as City 
Attorney of Bayonne for five years, and is widely recognized as an authority on 
the law relating to municipal corporations. He is an ardent and steadfast Re- 
publican, and in all these capacities won the confidence, respect and approval 
of all classes regardless of party affiliations. 

As an orator and speaker. Colonel Fuller is widely and favorably known, 
and few men are more popular, or have a finer reputation. He has been active 
in many political campaigns. 

He is also in almost constant demand as an after-dinner speaker, and as a 
reader for charitable and social objects. He has one of the best private law 
libraries in the State, and also a large, well-selected librar\- of general litera- 
ture. Incidentally he has written various articles for the jiress, and is thor- 
oughlv posted on current topics. He has been a member of the Sinking Fund 
Commission of Bayonne since its inception, and is also one of the C<immission- 
ers appointed by Acting Governor Voorhees on the Pollution of Rivers anl 
Streams in New Jersey. He is a member of the New Jersey .Athletic Club, 
the New Jersey Union League Club, and the Cosmos Club, all of Jersey City; 
31 



482 BIOGRAPHICAL IIISTOm' OF XF.W JhKSEY. 

the Twilight. Lotus and tlie Lawyers' Chilis of New York, and the Veterans of 
the Seventh Regiment, X. (i., X. Y. He is also i)roniinently identified with 
the George Washington Post, Xo. 103, ( Jrand Army of the Rei)ublic, IJejjart- 
ment of Xew York. 

Colonel Fuller was married on .May J9. 1S67. to Miss .Matilda IJ.. daughter 
of Sanuiel T. Williams, a prominent manufacturer of Xew York, and Rebecca 
Johnson, his wife. They have two children. Harry W. and I'anny S. Harry 
W. was graduated from Rutgers College in i8yi. and is now su]5erinteiulent 
of fhe Hudson county system of the Xorth Jersey Traction Company. Fanny 
S. was married June 15. 1898, to Major Lee Toudvine. of Salisliury. Mary- 
land. 



JOSEPH ANDREW MALLOCK. 

In the educational circles of .Newark, especially of the public schools, the 
subject of this biography will always hold a prominent and conspicuous position, 
both on account of his ability and sterling worth, and for the long period over 
which his work extended. Joseph .Andrew Hallock was born in Southold, 
at the east end of Long Island, Xew York, on October 29, 1827. His ances- 
tors were among the first settlers of the cinmtry. He attended the public 
schools of his native village and Southold .\cademy. He graduated from the 
Normal School at .\lbany, Xew York, in 1849. Taking up teaching as a 
profession he taught for five years ill the country schools of Suffolk and West- 
chester counties. Xew York, and came to Xewark in the fall of 1854. He was 
ajipointed principal of Commerce Street School in January. 1855, where he 
taught for fifteen years, and was then transferred to the Oliver street School, 
where he taught for eight years. Then for eighteen years he taught at the 
Webster .Street School, following which he s])ent three years at the Elliott Street 
School. In July, 1898, he resigned, having taught school for forty-nine years. 
In accepting Mr. Hallock's resignation the Board of Education passed reso- 
lutions e.\])ressing the sense of ajjpreciation of the members of the Board for 
the honorable and upright character of our suliject, his faithful and efficient 
services and untiring and loving care and interset in the welfare and advance- 
ment of the thousands of children committed to his care. 

Mr. Hallock has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Sarah B. 
Ness'er. who died four and a half years after the marriage. .A daughter. 
Sarah, born of this marriage, is the wife of John Remer. The second mar- 
riage of our subject was to .Miss Carrie .A. Thorp. The only child of this mar- 
riage. Minnie, is the wife of Counsellor William M. I'.rown, an active member 
of the Essex County bar. 

Mr. Hallock is an elder in the Park Presbyterian church, and is also a 
member of Protection Lodge, I. O. ( ). I'., and of Cosmos Lodge. !•". & .A. M. 




JOSEPH A. HALLOCK 



'/, 



/ //V.y 






^ //J 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 483 

LEWIS JAMES LYONS 

Was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. November 7th, 181 5, and died in Newark, 
New Jersey, October 31st, iSyj. when his eighty-second year kicked but a few 
days of its completion. 

The ancestors of Mr. Lyons were people, upon both paternal and mater- 
nal sides, of much importance in their country's history. Among these an- 
cestors we find a well known ofificer in the army of Cromwell, and also that 
brave defender of Protestantism, the Bohemian hero, Frederick Matthias, 
whose name was prominent in the Thirty Year's War. 

No man, perhaps, was ever more indififerent to the incident of family and 
birth than Mr. Lyons, who held, in all things, that a man represented only that 
which he was himself, and made for himself of his own opportunity. No man 
more thoroughly recoiled from display, from public posturing and private flat- 
tery than he, not, indeed, from false modesty, or for effect, but from that true 
pride and independence of spirit, which is above parade of any sort. 

Following the loss of both parents the subject of our sketch was brought, 
in infancy, to Boston, by maternal relatievs (not, however, until every effort 
had been made, by his relatives across the water, to have him taken to them in 
London). While in Boston every advantage of private instruction and pub- 
lic school education was given to the boy, who early showed that his talent 
lay, especiallv. in the line of creative thought. This talent probably decided 
the bent of his after life work. 

Leaving Boston in boyhood, Mr. Lyons resided, for two years, in New- 
York Citv, later resided in Stroudsburg. Pa., from which place he went to 
Providence, Rhode Island. After passing some years in Paterson, New Jer- 
sey and Brooklyn, New York, he finally removed to Newark, New Jersey, in 
1845. There he located his boiler works, and spent the remainder of his life, 
engaged in those pursuits which made him, at first, a pioneer in his line of 
manufacture, and afterwards a man of importance, in the industries of this great 
business centre. 

Mr. Lyons brought to his new field of labor the experience gathered 
through years of residence in industrial localities, where he had spent time in 
practical operations, as well as in investigation and experiment. In Newark 
he soon made for himself a name as a man of power and laid the foundations 
of an industry which has since become world known. :\Ir. Lyons was the first 
emplover in Newark who paid his workmen in cash, instead of in orders ui>nn 
the stores, as had been customary before his time. In this innovation he at 
first met with much disfavor from other employers. Init. ultimately, these very 
men followed suit in the new custom, which had won for Mr. Lyons the respect 
of the conimunitv, and the unbounded gratitude of his employees. 

Mr. Lvons was intensely interested in the line of his chosen avocation, and 
was himself an inventor as 'well as a manufacturer. He was also the ready 
counsellor and assistant of other inventors and workers. In this way he be- 
came associated with Seth Boyden, and was of great service to him as collabo- 
rator and friend. In fact, Mr. Lyons established his boiler works in Newark 
in response to Mr. Boyden's persistent appeals that he would locate in that city. 

While it mav not 'be known, except to those familiar with the early history 



484 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

of the application of sttain as ? motive power, it is no less true that to Mr. 
Lyons the world is indebted for the successful application of this factor as the 
motive power of the steam fire engine. .^.s a student of human nature and a 
man alive to his country's welfare -Mr. Yyons took an impartial interest in poli- 
tics, but a politician, strictly so speaking, he was not., nor w as lie averse, when 
called upon, to give his reasons for choosing to be rather an onlooker than a 
participant in ])a!ty struggle. When approached, as he not infrequently was, 
and urged to allow his riame to stand in nomination for higli office he invari- 
ably declined the ]niblic honors, which might have been his own. In places 
of trust, in financial institutions, his name was sought as director and officer; 
of such positions heUl by h\m in .X'ewark institutions, Mr. Lyons was for twenty- 
eight years a director in the .Merchant's Insurance Com])any: he was also a di- 
rector in the North Ward I'.ank, and held office as vice-i)resident both in the 
Citizen's Insurance Company and the People's Savings Bank. 

Mr. Lyons was a member of St. John's Lodge of Free Masons. In church 
work he was always interested, and served upon many oflficial boards, although 
it is told of him, in his own words, that he "preferred to worship God in his 
pew rather than to render Him service as a church officer." By birth of the 
Church of England, Mr. Lyons was, for fifty years, a zealous .Methodist, and for 
the remaining ten years of his life a Presbyterian During his long connection 
with the Methodist Episcopal denomination. Mr. Lyons was a leading man 
in the I'nion Street Methodist church., where he was an earnest worker and a 
most liberal giver. To him this church is largely indebted for its house of 
worship. He was also one of the organizers of St. Paul's M. E. church 

Mr. Lyons was keenly alive to sham and make-believe, and had little pa- 
tience with either. In his business relations he was of absolute and recognized 
integrity: he built up and maintained an important industry in Newark and 
continued in active connection with it. while life lasted. In social life Mr. 
Lyons was a lover of home and family, rather than a seeker for pleasure away 
rom his own fireside. He was a believer in education, a lover of music and 
of art. a man of gentle and poetic temperament, an admirer of nature, whose 
f jrests and waters and i^leasant ])laces were dear to him. He was never more 
happy than when, surrounded by family and chosen friends, he sjient summer 
days in his beautiful home at Belmar, New Jersey, or rested in winter in his 
.'OUthern home in North Carolina. It is lielieved that his life was actually pro- 
longed by his ability to withdraw himself from business cares for these needed 
seasons of rest to mind and body. Discriminating in friendshi]), but, to those 
to whom that friendship was given he was known as genial, abounding with 
humor and kindliness, sincere, generous and ever ready to serve. .\ true 
Christian, in the way of his God, he worked humbly and consistently, a man 
of faith and prayer, wise of gift and true of service. 

Mr. Lyons married, in 1836, Mary .A., daughter of J. Farrel Ward, of New 
York City. Mrs. Lyons' family, like that of her husband's, was of Old World 
descent, and re])resented ancestry, prominent in the British Isles, such as the 
Dudleys. Cunninghams. Peytons, etc. < )f the large family of Mr. and Mrs, 
Lyons, the four younger, only, are now living: three daughters and one son, 
IVederick ^^, who married Rosa, daughter of William Schoellenberger, of 
1 'hiladelphia, Pennsylvania. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 
HENRY ALBERT POTTER, 



48 s 



Sixth child of Thomas and Adehiie Coleman (^Bower) Potter, was born in 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 19. 1856. He pursued his preparatory 
studies at the Friends' Central High School, Philadelphia, and entered the 
University of Pennsylvania with the class of 1877, but left at the end of his 
sophomore year and joined the class of the same year at Lafayette College, 
whence he was graduated with the degree of B. S. He was a member of the 




HENRV A. POTTER. 

Sigma Chi Fraternity. Soon after his graduation he entered his father's fac- 
tory and began, as did his father, to learn the business, in order to fit him for 
the position which he expected to assume in the near future. He ap])lied him- 
self perseveringly to his work and when he was fully qualified to take charge 
he was appointed superintendent, and in 1879 ^^'^s received into the firm as a 
partner. The following year he established the Xew York branch, the business 
of which has stetadily increased under his management. .Mr. Potter settled 
in East Orange the same year that he estblished business in Xew York, and 
purchased the Reune Martin place at 95 Harrison street. He expended a 



486 RIOGRAPIIICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

larjje anioiiiit in external and internal inii)rovenients. Mr. Potter soon became 
interested in local ])olitics and gradually his influence extended throughout the 
State, and he is at the jiresent time recognized as one of the active men in the 
Republican party. While partici])ating in every movement for the advance- 
ment of |)arty interests, he is not a iwlitician according to the modern accepta- 
tion of the term. His ])osition is always clearly defined and his course straight- 
forward and upright. He has never been known to resort to any irregular 
means to advance party ends. His entrance into public life began in 1885, 
when he was elected to the State Legislature. It was during the height of the 
labor agitation, and he had the combined elements of the Democratic and the 
Labor ])arties against him: the district then included Orange and East Orange. 
L'nder the circumstances he was elected by a fair majority. His course in the 
Legislature was manly and upright, and exceedingly gratifying to his constitu- 
ents. He introduced and carried through two important measures relating to 
his own township, viz. the division of East Orange into wards, and the organi- 
zation of the Board of Education. .Mr. Potter declined the nomination for a 
second term tendered him by his party, not only as a matter of precedent, but 
because they believed him to be the best and strongest man to represent his 
district. In 1888 he was a delegate to the Xational Convention which nomi- 
nated Benjamin Harrison: and after the election, in which Mr. Potter took a 
prominent part, he was offered by Hon. William Walter Phelps, the position 
of Secretary of Legation, at Berlin, which he declined. Mr. Potter's efforts in 
behalf of r)range have been by no means limited to ]joIitics, but whatever con- 
cerns the public good or advances the welfare of the people, whether educa- 
tional, religious or social, he can always be depended on to do his full share. 
He was one of the originators of the Orange Athletic Club, and was one of its 
governors: he also assisted in the reorganization and rebuilding of the Orange 
Club. He is a member of the Country Club and other social organizations. 
In January, 1897, 'i^ ^^"^s appointed by Governor Griggs as a member of his 
staff. Of the personal traits, to which his success in life is due, much might 
be attributed to truthfulness. Heredity and environment have played an equal 
part. Mr. Potter is a man of sound sense and practical wisdom in all that re- 
lates to the everyday concern of life. He is pleasant and unaffected in manner, 
entertaining in conversation, frank and generous with all whom he encounters 
in business or social intercourse. His personal qualities insure to him great 
popularity, while his public services entitle him to the res])ect and confidence of 
the comnuinity. He married, on .\pril 9. 1879, Miss I'rances Green, daughter 
of Justice Henry Green of the Su]3reme Court of Pennsylvania. 



WILLIAM MUNRO FORCE 

Was born in I"landers. Morris county, N'ew Jersey. July 13. 1S17. His father, 
Manning I-"orce, was one of the best known and highly respected ministers of 
the .Methodist church in the State. The family name was originally De la 
Force, the early members of it having been French Huguenots, who came to 
.■\merica to escape persecution. The maternal great-grandfather of the subject 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



487 



of this sketch was Sir Hector Monro, of Scotland, and his maternal grandfather, 
Judge Monro, settled in Flanders in 1700, and became one of its mosct prom- 
inent citizens. In his early youth the father of our subject was transferred to 
Philadeli)hia. and there young Force lived for several years: he ac- 
<|uired the foundation of the education which was so advantageous to him 
in his long, useful and busy career. He was always fond of books, and so early 
<lid he apply himself to sound reading that at seventeen years of age he was 




WILLIAM M. FORCE. 



teaching a district school in his native county. At twenty-one he had so far 
mastered the serious things of life that he owned one of the largest farms in 
Morris count}-, and at twenty-four he married Miss Mary E. Cook, eldest 
daughter of the late Dr. Silas Cook, in his time one of the leading physicians of 
Hackettstown. After his marriage he kept a combination store, mill, black- 
smith's shop and wlieelwright's shop, besides cultivating his farm, and he con- 
tinued in these numerous industries for about a dozen years, until he had ac- 
quired considerable wealth and influence, and he only relinciuishcd them to 
accept the honorable and lucrative position of Clerk of tlie Supreme Court of his 
native state. The acceptance of that place comiielkd him to remove to 



4SS BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

Trenton, where he made his home for twelve years, and where he became fa- 
miUar with all the leading men of the State. In 1862 he became a member 
of the firm of I. C. Moor & Co., of Pearl .street, Xew York, and then made his 
residence in Newark where he bought an extensive tract of land running from 
Belleville avenue to the Passaic River upon which he erected the spacious and 
elegant house in which he and his family resided until his death. This home 
spoke volumes for the taste and good judgment of its projector and owner, as 
it was one of the most conspicuously handsome private residences in the county. 
He also had a beautiful sea^side home at Lake Como. He took great interest 
in agriculture, and was for nearly a quarter of a century the secretary of the 
State Agricultural Society, which position he resigned only a few months be- 
fore his death. Mr. Force was one of the very few laymen in New Jersey who 
held the office of Master in Chancery. He was appointed to that office under 
the administration of Governor Fort. He was a prominent member of St. 
Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, where he conducted a Sunday-school class 
of seventy elderly people. He was largely interested in dock property in Es- 
se.x and Hudson counties. Mr. Force left four children: Mrs. James L. Mar- 
vin, of this city; Silas C. Force, of Brooklyn: Mrs. William B. Fisher and 
Manning Force, of this city. He died Friday, November 20th, 1891. 



HENRY CL.AY ROSS, 



Whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was tjorn in Newark, New Jersey, 
April 7, 1850. He was educated in the Newark public and private schools. 
He is the son of James Ross who was born in Newark, December 18, 1812, and 
died in that city December 14, 1869, and who was business manager of the 
Newark "Daily Advertiser" for several years. His wife, the mother of the sub- 
ject of this sketch, bore the maiden name of Jemima Harrison. She was also 
a native of Esse.x county, having been born in C)range, May 20, 1817. Her 
death occurred June 7th, 1875. Her father, Moses Smith Harrison, was at one 
time one of the proprietors of the Newark "Daily .\dvertiser." 

Henry Clay Ross entered the service of the New Jersey Railroad and 
Transportation Company on December 22. 1868. as clerk in the office of A. L. 
Dennis, president of that company, since which time he has been continuously 
associated with railroad interests. .At this time he is private secretary to the 
General Superintendent of the Pennsylvania Railmad, Secretary .Associates of 
the Jersey Company, Essex and .Middlesex Turnpike Company, Port Rich- 
mond and Bergen Point Ferry Company, and Bergen Point and Staten Island 
Ferry Company. 

Mr. Ross has always been a resident of Newark. He is a member of the 
Rosevillc Presbyterian church, and fraternally a .Mason, lieing a Past Master 
of Roseville Lodge. No. 143, F. & .\. .M , a member of L'nion Chapter, No. 7, 
R. -A. -M.. and Damascus Commandery, No. 5, K. T. Politically he is an un- 
compromising Republican. 




HENRY C ROSS 





'cm 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 489 

WILLIAM R. WILSON, 

Ex-City Attorney of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and from 1881 to 1891 Prosecutor 
of the Pleas, is of Scotch-Irish stock and was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 
1853. His father, William Wilson, is now a retired gentleman of that city. 

Prepared in the public schools of Elizabeth, Air. \\'ilson entered the law 
school of Columbia College, New York City, from which he graduated in the 
class of 1875. He has also read law with Alagie & Cross, at Elizabeth. He was the 
same year admitted as an attorney, and in 1878 as a counselor-at-law. De- 
voting himself at once successfully to his profession, Mr. Wilson was, in 1880, 
appointed City Attorney, serving one year. In 1881 he was appointed by Gov- 
ernor Ludlow Prosecutor of the Pleas, an office which he held by reappoint- 
ment, in all, ten years. During this period Mr. Wilson proved himself to be 
not only a painstaking and methodical public officer, but a lawyer thoroughly 
equipped to cope with the cases that arose under his administration, managing 
the criminal business of the county with marked ability and success. His first 
trial was a murder case, in which he convicted a colored man for murder in the 
second degree. In the trial of Agnes Alcorn, indicted for the murder of her 
husband, a case which attracted wide attention, he secured a verdict of man- 
slaughter. In the notable trial of Burke, who, with others, was indicted for 
murder, Mr. Wilson was assisted by the Attorney-General of the State, but the 
circumstances making it impossible to fix the crime upon the guilty man beyond 
a doubt, no conviction resulted. A number of other murder cases were suc- 
cessfully tried by him during his term. 

The most celebrated cases, however, which occurred under his administra- 
tion, and the successful issue of which has since contributed so largely to the 
wholesome operation of justice, were the famous race-track cases, in which he 
was assisted by R. V. Lindabury, one of the ablest lawyers of the State. These 
cases attracted wide attention throughout the country generally. Hitherto the 
race-track organizations had defied the law. The operation of the machinery 
of justice against this class of people was without a precedent. The pioneer 
work of inaugurating a new order in the administration of justice was vigor- 
ously undertaken and successfully completed. The book-makers and others 
were indicted as keepers of disorderly houses, and all of them were convicted 
and fined for the first time in the history of the State. 

Upon the expiration of his term of office Mr. Wilson resumed ijrivate 
practice in Elizabeth, where, although still a young lawyer, he maintains a large 
practice. 

Mr. Wilson stands high in Masonry. He is Past :\Iaster of Orient Lodge, 
is Past High Priest of \\'ashington Chapter, and is a member of St. John's 
Commandery of Elizabeth. He is a member of New York Consistory where 
he has taken thirty-two degrees, and of Mecca Temple, and of the Nobles of 
the Mystic Shrine of New York City. 

He is a communicant of the Presbyterian church, is married and has one 
child. 



490 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

LOUIS MEYER, 

An old rt'sident and highly respected citizen of Newark, New Jersey, was born 
in Siilsljiirg. lladen. derniany, Aj^ril 7. 1820. He received his echication 
in his native land, and at the age of thirty-one years came to America, bringing 
with him his wife, who bore the maiden name of Amelia Ellenbogcn, and whose 
place of birth was Altdorf. Baden, Germany, and one daughter. Pauline. 

His first place of location in the country of his ado])tion was New York 
City, where he became a merchant in a small way. Unlike most men coming 
to this country. .Mr. .Meyer had some means upon his arrival, but in order to 
thoroughly acquaint himself with the English language and better qualify him- 
self with the customs of the country, his first business was selling notions. It 
may here be remarked, in this connection, that many of the most successful 
financiers we have had in this country have obtained their start in the same way. 

.After a few years spent in New York City, he removed with his family, to 
Nappernock, Ulster county, New York, and there engaged in the dry goods 
business, opening a store for the sale of dry and fancy goods. This he con- 
ducted very successfully until 1857, when he came to Newark, New Jersey, and 
embarked in the wholesale butcher business, at what was at that time the foot 
of Thomas street. This business he continued to operate under his individual 
name until 1872, when two of his sons were taken into the concern and the firm 
was then styled L. Meyer & Sons. Mr. Meyer remained actively engaged in 
the concern until about twenty years ago. when lie withdrew, and has since 
lived a practically retired life, having given u]) the cares and responsibilities 
which for so many years he so successfully assumed. 

.As a l)usiness man Mr Meyers has had few peers. His success in business 
can be attributed to his straightforward, methodical business methods. Not 
only has he prospered in his business undertakings. I)ut he has earned consider- 
able capital through judicious real estate investments, and at this time owns 
valuable property in Newark. 

To our subject and his wife were born eleven children, ten of whom now sur- 
vive, as follows: Pauline, wife of Leon Rose, of Newark; Jacob, a prominent 
contractor of Newark; Leopold, of the firm of L. & A. B. Meyer, manufacturers 
of undergarmentj, and also a partner of the firm of 1'. Goggins & Company. 
of New York City, manufacturers of ladies' silk skirts; Sarah .\.. wife of Reuben 
Trier, of Newark; .Abraham B.. of the firm of L. & A. B. Meyer; Louis M.. a 
resident of Newark; Etta H.. wife of Louis I. Lippman. of Newark; Benjamin, 
a partner of Jacob Meyer of Newark; Bertha, wife of Baldwin Schlesinger. of 
New York; Joseph E. the youngest member of the firm of L. & .\. B. Meyer, 
and Fannie, who was tenth in order of birth and died at the age of fourteen 
months. 

Mrs. Meyers departed this life. Sejitember 22(1, 1898. 




LOUIS MEYER 




ROBERT W. HAWKESWORTH 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 491 

ROBERT WRIGHT HAWKESWORTH, 

A prominent citizen of East Orange, New Jersey, and a member of the well- 
known law firm of Hawkesworth & Kirtland, at No. 100 Broadway, New York, 
is a native of Barbadoes, West Indies Islands, where he was born on September 
26th, 1848. The Hawkesworth family is one of the most ancient in England 
and Hawkesworth Hall still stands in Yorkshire, covered with ivy and is one 
of the few instances where property has descended from the time of the Con- 
quest to the present in the same family. They were Royalists during the 
Cromw'ell disturbances, following which a branch of the family became estab- 
lished in Barbadoes. The father of our subject, Robert Gay Hawkesworth, 
was a native of Barbadoes, and while on a visit to his uncle James Hawkes- 
worth, who had settled in New York, met and married the daughter of Job 
Wright, one of the early citizens of New York, he having been born on a farm 
which is now known as Murray Hill. The Wrights came originally from 
England. They settled first in the Massachusetts Bay Colonv, and subse- 
quently removed to Long Island where their descendants intermarried among 
the leading families of Oyster Bay and CJlen Cove. Robert Gay Hawkes- 
worth returned with his wife to Barbadoes where they resided until his death, 
when the widow returned to New York with her three sons, our subject, then 
between nine and ten years old, and his elder and younger brother. 

Robert Wright Hawkesworth received a classical education in private 
schools and under tutors, then read law and was admitted to the New York bar 
in 1872. On November 22d, 1878, he married Anna M. Kirtland, the daugh- 
ter of George and Emil G. Kirtland, of East Orange. Mrs. Hawkesworth is 
the granddaughter of Matthias O. Halstead, who *as the head of the important 
firm of Halstead, Haines & Company, of New York City, and was the pioneer 
New York settler of East Orange. His mansion on Main street in East Orange 
is one of the notable residences in East Orange and is now occupied 1)y our 
subject and his wife. Three children have been born to ;\Ir. and Mrs. Hawkes- 
worth as follows: Eleanor Eastman, aged eleven years, Robert Wright, Jr., 
aged ten years and Margaret Halstead, aged four years. 

Mr. Hawkesworth is a successful lawyer, his firm ranking among the best 
known in New York City. He has for several years taken an active i)art in 
public matters in Essex county. New Jersey, and has frequently been mentioned 
in connection with important public offices. He is a public spirited man and is 
deeplv interested in all matters pertaining to East Orange and Essex county. 
For four or five years he served as president of the Republican Clulj of East 
Orange, and is also a member of the Indian League Clul) of Newark. He was 
for five years president of the Orange Athletic Club, and is at present one of the 
governors of the Essex County Country Club, and is a member of the follow- 
ing: The Union League Club of New York, the New York Yacht Club, the 
Association of the Bar of New York and the American Bar Association. 



492 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF XEW JERSEY. 

HENRY M. STONE, 

Warden of the Essex County, New Jersey, Prison, is a native of London. Eng- 
land, where he was born on September 3d, 1840. He is the son of James 
Stone, a native of England, who for years was engaged in the marble business. 
He never came to America, both he and his wife dying in the old country. 

Henry M, Stone came to the United States in .May, 1866, coming direct 
to Newark. He attended school in his native city until fourteen years of age, 
and then began an apprenticeship at the jeweler's trade, serving at the same for 
seven years, and afterwards working at the trade in England until he came to 
the United States. Upon his arrival in Newark, Mr. Stone at once went to 
work at his trade, securing employment readily, as lie was a skilled workman. 
For seven years he was foreman of the jewelry manufactury of David C. Dodd, 
of Newark. 

On February ist, 1895. ^f'"- Stone was appointed by the Board of Free- 
holders, Warden of the Esse.x County Prison tor a term of one year, and so pe- 
culiarly is he fitted for this position and so satisfactory has been his adminis- 
tration of the affairs of this large and important institution, that he has been 
re-appointed by the Board at the expiration of each term, until the present time, 
receiving his sixth consecutive appointment on I'ebruary I St. 1900. 

Mr. Stone was married in 1861. to Sophia Clamp, a native of England, and 
to their union the following children have been born: Henry J., Frederick, 
Thoiuas. Ernest, Grace, (now Mrs. Wellington Walker of Newark.) Three 
other children died in infancy. Mrs. Stone occupies the position of matron of 
the Essex County Prison. 

Mr. Stone has been an active member of the Republican party for many 
years, though he never held any official position until accepting his present one. 
He is a member of the Garfield Club of Newark, of (Oriental Lodge No 51, F. 
& A. M.. of Lodge No 21, F.Iks of Newark, of Indian League Club of Newark 
and of the Jeweler's League of New York. 



JOHN QUACKENBUSM. 



Son of John Quackenbusli and Mary .-\nn \'an Sise. was horn in ( )akland. .X. 
J., October ist, 1827. Mr. Ouackenbush is of pure Holland anccstr\- an<l 
speaks fluently the original Holland dialect. He is a lineal descendant of Rin- 
ier Ouackenbush, who, in 1700, settled near Nyack, New York, and one of 
whose nine children, .Abrani Quackenbusli, was the great-grandfather of Judge 
Quackenbush. His grandfather. John Quackenbusli, was a native of Tajjpan. 
His mother, Mary .Ann \'an Sise. was related to the Demarest family. 

Judge Quackenl)usli, after a thorough academic course, was graduated 
from the law department of the New York University in 1856. In 1857, while 
but thitry years of age. he was elected a Police Justice in New York Citv and 
for six years was president of the Board of Police Justices in New York, being 
the youngest member of the Board. 

Upon retiring from this position, he jiracticecl law in New NDrk in tlu- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 493 

firm of Oiiackenbush, Dusenburg and Briggs In 1869, he was made Deputy 
Collector of Customs in Xew York, and has held the position ever since, having 
charge of the assessments of customs. 

In 1846, Judge Ouackenbush was married to Harriet A., daughter of 
Joseph H. Christopher, who at his death was Sheriff of Passaic county. Xew 
Jersey. The\- have had three children: Bessie, the wife of Frederick W. Gard- 
ner; Ellevene. deceased, who was the wife of Henry B. Hagerman of Mawah; 
and Charity. 

Judge Ouackenbush is a Free ^Nlason, vice-president of the Holland So- 
ciety of New York, in politics a Republican, and an attendant of the Reformed 
church, contriluiting liberally to the support of all charitable enterprises. 



JOHN NORWOOD HOFF. 



Prominent among the younger business men and manufacturers of New- 
ark who have won success and distinction for themselves and at the same time 
contributed greatly to the grow-th and prosperity of Newark is John Norwood 
Hoff, General Manager of the S. E. IM. Rice Company, wholesale dealers in and 
manufacturers of paints and varnishes. Though a citizen of Newark only 
since 1891, Air. Hofif has by his business ability, his public spirit and enterprise, 
taken a place among the foremost business men of the city. He was born 
in Easton, Pennsylvania, on September 20th, 1870, and is the son of John P. 
Hofif, M. D., and his wife, Frances A. Norwood. The father was born in Easton 
Pennsylvania, where he practiced medicine for many years, but is now leading 
a retired life. The mother was born in Newark, New Jersey. Of five chil- 
dren born to the parents the subject of this sketch is the eldest. He attended 
the public schools of Easton, and in 1889, entered Lafayette College, where 
he pursued his studies until 1891. when he left, before graduating, to assume 
the management of the S. E. AI. Rice Company, the manager having died. Be- 
sides being proprietor and general manager of the S. E. AI. Rice Company, Mr. 
HofT is half owner and a director in the ?iIoto-Cariot Company, a concern in- 
corporated for one million dollars, and is also a director in the New York and 
New Brunswick Steamboat Company. 

Mr. HofT is a member of the various degrees of Masonry, and affiliates 
with St. John's Blue Lodge and Union Chapter. He is a member of the Es- 
sex Club and of the Orange Camera Club, and also of the Newark Board of 
Trade and the Newark Builders' and Traders' Exchange. 

On January 12th, 1896, Mr. Hofif was united in marriage to Miss Helen 
C, the daughter of S. E. M. Rice. 



JOHN H. LYON. 



The subject of this sketch. John H. Lyon, deceased, was a prominent and 
influential citizen of New Tersev, and during his long life was actively identified 



494 CIUGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

with the pulilic and Ijiisiness affairs of tlie State. He was horn in Somerset 
county. New Jersey, on .August 21st, i8it>, on a farm situated about one and 
one-half Miles from liasking Ridge, on the road to Liberty Corner. His an- 
cestors owned and occnpitd most of the aijove farm prior to 1745. sfnce which 
time it has been in the family and is to-day, owned by his son William J. Lyon. 

The bovhood of our subject was spent upon the farm where he was born. 
During the days just prior to his arrival at manhood he was engaged as clerk 
in a store in Elizabeth. In 1842. he married .Miss Hannah B. LSeach, of New- 
ton, New Jersey, and subsequently removed to New York City and engaged 
in the coniniisjion business from which he secured a competency. 

In .\ugust, 1859, '.Mr. Lyon with a number of other gentlemen, started 
the publication in Jersey City, of a newspaper called the "American Standard," 
of which he. in the following year, became sole proprietor. For si.xteen years 
he conducted this paper and rendereil valuable service to the Democratic party 
of New Jersey antl Hudson County. In 1875, he disposed of his newspaper 
interests and resumed his residence on the farm in Somerset county, where he 
devoted his time to his farm and to the interests of the Democratic party of 
the State. He was one of the prominent men of the State and although very- 
averse to holding i)olitical offices himself, was always an active and ardent poli- 
tician, believing in and exemplifying pure politics. He was an intimate and 
close friend of United States Senator Theodore F. Randolph, and together 
with Judge F. Lathrop. they exerted a controlling influence for several years 
over the Democratic politics of .\ew Jersey. To the end of his life he retained 
his deep interest in the politics of New Jersey, and it was upon his return from at- 
tendance at the Legislature in Trenton in 1881, that he became fatally ill 

The business career of Mr. Lyon was as active and prominent as that of his 
public life He secured the charter of the Passaic X'alley and Peapack R. R. 
Co., (.now the Passaic and Delaware R. R. Co.), and it was through his energy 
and i)erseverance that the railroad was constructed from -Summit to Basking 
Ridge. "Lyon .Station" on this railroad was named for him. He was also 
a director in the Easton and .Aniboy Railroad Company, and was interested 
in other enterprises. 

Mr. Ly(jn was in society, as well as in politics and business, a great favor- 
ite, cr urteous, generous, kind, of e(|uable temper, but firm and unyielding in 
principles, and in his convictions. His counsel and advice were as generally 
sought after as they were honestly given, and his word anywhere and every- 
where was accepted and relied upon, whether in the statement of facts or in the 
making of a promise. 

lie was noted for his judgment as to human nature, and was eminently 
successful in determining, almost at a glance and upon slight acquaintance, the 
character of men with whom he was brought in contact. 

Mr. Lyon died in the prime of manhood, in his si.xty-second year, on Feb- 
ruary 27th, 1881, in a room in a new house on the farm, less than forty feet 
from the room in the old house where he was born. He was buried in the old 
graveyard adjoining the Presbyterian church at P.asking Ridge, and under the 
protecting shade of the noted nld oak tree whicii spreads its branches over more 
than one hundred feet, covering the resting places of many of those who died 
in the vicinity of Basking Ridge wilitin the last one hundred and fifty years. 




JS. ^S. /C> jfi^t^-i^^^^L--^^^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 495, 

William J. Lyon, the son of John H. Lyon, has for many years lieen 
a resident of Xew York, and connected with the Department of Finance as 
Auditor, Deputy Comptroller and Expert Accountant, which latter position 
he i.ow holds, but he still retains the old farm upon which, successfully, since 
prior to 1745, his ancestors have resided, and he has in his possession a diary 
and account book, home-made with sheepskin cover and strap, which was kept 
by one of his ancestors during the period from 1771 to 1776, and in which are 
recorded the proceedings connected with the formation of a military company 
and the names of the persons forming the same. 



HENRY C. HEINISCH, 



A well known citizen of Irvington and the only surviving member of the old 
firm of R. Hcinisch's Sons, is a son of Rochus and Susannah (Dievenbach) 
Heinisch, and was born in the City of Newark, on the 13th day of November, 
1839. He received his preliminary educational discipline in the public schools 
of Newark, supplementing this by a course of study in the famous old Newark 
Academy, which was located at the corner of High and William streets. He 
put aside his books upon arriving at the age of eighteen years, and inaugurated 
his business career by entering his father's store in New York, where he be- 
came familiar with the shears and scissors trade, subsequently augmenting his 
knowledge by close relationship with the factory and New York office. He 
eventually assumed entire charge of the New York store and through his well 
directed efforts the business was greatly increased in extent. While conclud- 
ing this store at No. 301 Broadway, New York, he was also exclusive New 
York agent for the Peter's Cutlery Company, of Solingen, Prussia, and in this 
line he transacted an annual business aggregating three hundred thousand 
dollars. 

For several years he lived retired and then became connected with the 
large shears and scissors manufactory at Windsor, Connecticut. The pro- 
duct of this factory was stamped "H. C. Heinisch, N. Y." and was handled at 
wholesale by H. Booker & Company of New York City. He has ever since 
retained his association with the Windsor establishment, the business having 
shown a consecutive appreciation in scope. 

Mr. Heinisch has recently patented an invention known as the H. C. Hein- 
isch patent tailor's shears which are stamped H. C. Heinisch. inventor and 
patentee, Newark, New Jersey, with the registered trade mark of H. C. H. 
These shears Mr. Heinisch believes are bound to come into exclusive use by 
the sartorial fraternity. He maintains that by the use of these shears an oper- 
ator can do twice as much work as with the ordinary shears such as have here- 
tofore been emploved. The shears open to within half an inch of the 
rivet joint and by means of a projecting arm or handle the operator is en- 
abled to apply the strength of the entire forearm in addition to the weight pres- 
sure. These forces have not before entered into the applied force used in cut- 
ting heavy fabrics. 

Mr. Heinisch was at one time a member of the Board of \'illage Trustees. 



496 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF x\E\V JERSEY. 

of Inington. and he also scncd for two terms as a member of the Board of 
Chosen Freeliolders, representing Clinton townshi]}. and proved an able and 
efficient official. 

The marriage of .Mr. lieinisch was suleninized Se]Jtember i4ih 1870, when 
he was united to Miss X'irginia Rogers, only daughter of Thomas R. Rogers 
of the Paterson Locomotive Works. They are the parents of the following 
named children: Maud R., (now the wife of Charles Terrell). Herbert U., 
Edith R.. .Mal.el and Mildred. 



ALEXANDER DALLAS, M. D. 

A leading jihysician and surgeon and prominent citizen of Bayonne. Hud- 
son county. Xew Jersey, was born at Nairn, Scotlanil. and is the son of Wil- 
liam and -Margaret (Fraser) Dallas. The father of our subject was a native of 
Nairn, Scotland, where for years he was a ship owner, but later followed farm- 
ing. His death occurred in 1882, at the age of seventy-two years. The 
mother was also a native of Nairn, Scotland, and died in 1870. at the age of 
forty-eight years. The parents were married about 1847, ^"d ^o them were 
born the following children: William. Jane, .\le.xander. Margaret, Jessie, Dan- 
iel, Cregor, Roderick and I-'rederick. 

The subject of this sketch received his jirimary education in the public 
schools and the acatlcmy of his native city. Later he entered Owens College, 
at .■ anchester. after which he attended the Edinburgh L'niversity, anil after 
coming to the L'nited States, took a course at the New York University. 

His first employment was in the law office where he spent two years, fol- 
lowing which he spent a similar jjcriod in a bank. He came to New York 
City in 1870, and comiuenced the study of medicine the following year, gradu- 
ating in medicine in 1877. He ])racticed one year out West, three years in New 
York City, and in 1881, located in Bayonne. New Jersey, where he continued 
u]) to the present time in a successful jiractice of medicine and surgery. Dr. 
Dallas is president of and surgeon to St. Luke's Hospital of Bayonne, is sur- 
geon to the New Jersey Central Railway, surgeon to the -Standard ( )il Com- 
pany, surgeon to the Tidewater Oil Company and to other corporations. He 
is president of the Board of Examining Surgeons for the Pension Department. 
He is a fellow of the Xew York -\cademy of Medicine, a member of the New 
'S'nrk County and New York State .Medical Societies, also of the Hudson 
County -Medical Society. He is the Examiner for the New York Mutual Life 
Insurance Company, the United States Life Insurance Company, the Pennsyl- 
vania Mutual Life Insurance Comjiany. the lianker's Life Insurance Com- 
I)any. etc., etc. He is a member of the .Masonic. ( )dd I'ellows, Royal .\rcaiuuu. 
Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the Chosen I-Viends Fraternities. 
He is a member of the First Reformed church of Bayonne, and is a Republi- 
can in ijolitics. Up to 1898. Dr. Dallas was consulting surgeon to the Bay- 
oime Cit\ Hospital, but at that time he severed his connection with that insti- 
tution and in the latter part of that year he originated and has since carried 
on .^t. Luke's Hos])ital. This institution is equijiped with all the latest im- 




ALEXANDER DALLAS, M. O. 




EDWARD T. BELL 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 497 

provements. and has already achieved a remarkable success and earned for it- 
self a reputation second to none for the success of its operations. It receives 
no outside aid, and its doors are open to any deserving case. 

Dr. Dallas was married to Gilberta A. Eraser, daughter of Daniel and Mar- 
garet (Bain) Eraser. She was born at Leverick, Scotland, and her ancestors 
were all Scotch. Her death occurred on April 20th, i8(j8. 



EDWARD THEODORE BELL, 

President of the First National Bank, and one of the most prominent and in- 
fluential citizens of Paterson, New Jersey, was born at Stanhope, New Jersey, 
and is the son of Dr. Edward Sullivan and Catherine Louesa (Beach) Bell The 
father of our subject was born at New Brunswick, New Jersey, on May 6th, 
181 5, and was a physician by profession. His ancestors were of old New Jer- 
sey stock. His death occurred on October 23d, 1844. The mother of our 
subject was born at Branchville, New Jersey, on August 2d, 1814, and is the 
daughter of John Bigelow Beach, who was born at Mendon, Morris county. 
New Jersey, on April 5th, 1785, and died in June, 1857. Her mother was 
Eliza C. Haggerty, who was born at Branchville, Sussex countv, New Jersey, 
in 1790, and died in 1823. To Dr. Edward S. Bell and wife the following 
children were born: Emma Louesa, Annetta, Louesa, Edward, Theodore and 
Theodore Beech. 

The subject of this sketch took a three years' course at the Collegiate In- 
stitute at Newton, New Jersey. He left school at the age of seventeen years, 
and his first employment was in the Hackettstown Bank at Hackettstown, New 
Jersey. In 1864 he became teller of the liank of Jersey City, but before the 
close of that year he received the appointment of cashier of the First National 
Bank of Paterson, New Jersey, and later he was elected president of that 
institution. The following extract from an article having for it« subject Mr. 
Bell, is taken from "Prominent Bankers of America:" "His active partici- 
pation in the afTairs of the bank continued for more than ten years, when he 
retired from office, though still continuing to serve as a director. In 1882 
he was elected to the honorary position of vice-president, and a year later again 
entered the bank, and participated in the active management thereof. The 
thirteenth anniversary of his appointment to the cashiership was ajiiiropriately 
commemorated by his election to tlie presidency of the bank, succeeding his 
former associate and life-long friend, the late Hon. John J. lirown. 

"The natural advantages accruing from the organization and managcnunt 
of tl:e I'irst National Bank had so inspired confidence that in i86<j. at the ur- 
gent solicitation of many prominent citizens and the ]niblic press of the city, 
Mr. Bell and the late John J. Brown, then president of the Mrst National Bank, 
undertook the task of organizing an institution for savings, which in due course, 
resulted in formulating tlie charter for the Paterson Savings Institution, which 
with its special provisions and safeguards, was readit\- granted by the Legis- 
lature of New Jeresy, and the institution was formally opened ;\Iay 1st. 1869 

,^2 



498 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

"Mr. licll is one of the vice-presidents, and for many years past the effi- 
cient chairman of the Finance Committee. The career and imiform success 
of these institutions is demonstrated in their having assets exceeding ten mil- 
lion dollars." 

Mr. Bell is also interested in various other institutions and enterprises 
in Paterson and Passaic county. He is vice-president of the Paterson Savings 
Institution, vice-president of the Paterson and Passaic Gas and Electric Com- 
pany, of Paterson, treasurer of the Passaic Water Company and a director in 
numerous other companies. 

Mr. Bell married Anna D. Anderson, who was born at Xewton, Sussex 
county. New Jersey, and is the daughter of the Hon. D. S. and Amelia M. 
Anderson. 

The following extracts taken from local publications, give good expres- 
sions of the worth of Mr. Bell as a citizen and of the high esteem in which he 
is held by his fellow townsmen, and are rejiroduccd for that puri)ose: 

"Mr. I'ell has not only earned for himself an honorable record and name, 
but by his intelligent public spirit he has done mucli in bringing the city of his 
adoption to a higher rank among the municipalities of the State. Among the 
more important may be stated his ])artici])ati()n in the erection of the beautifid 
Church of the Redeemer. 

"When the history of Paterson for the last quarter of a century shall be 
written, no name on its pages will shine with brighter lustre than that of Edward 
T. Bell. As one of the most distinguished and useful citizens he has been so 
consjncuous in all enter])rises and imi)rovements that he is to-day a recog- 
nized leader, and is prominently and honorably connected with the growth and 
advancement of our prosperous industrial city." 

Mr. Bell was one of the original Park Commissioners of Paterson, from 
which board he resigned. He also ser\ed as one of the original City Hall 
Commissioners of Paterson, from which he also resigned. He is a member 
of the Church of the Redeemer of Paterson, and is president of <^he Board of 
Trustees of that church. He is a member of the Hamilton Club of Paterson, 
and of the I'liion League Club of Xew York Cit\-. 



SAMUEL HOWARD DODD, 

.\ well known citizen of East Orange. Xew Jersey, and cashier and director ot 
the India Rubber Comb Company, of Xew York City, was born August 12, 
1855, at Fayetteville, Xorth Carolina, and is the son of Israel L. and Angeline 
(Coeyman) l)(jdd. The father was born on Dodd street, East Orange, fa- 
miliarly known as Uoddtown. .August 7. 1830. and is of English ancestry. 
He has been for many years one of the well known citizens of I-issex county, 
and is engaged in the saw mill business. The mother was born in Belleville, 
Xew Jersey. .April 30. 1832. and is of Holland Dutch ancestry. The mar- 
riage of the j)arents occurred in 1849. and to them have been born the following 
children: Elizabeth B.. born May 18, 1850: .Samuel O.. deceased, born June 
4, 1833; Samuel H., born August 12, 1855: Theron, deceased, born Jainiary 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 499 

3, 1858; Lillie, born Alarch 12, i860; Oscar L., born January 18. 1863. and 
William, deceased. 

Samuel H. Dodd attended the private schools of Doddtown, (East Orange), 
until he was sixteen years of age, and then spent a year at Bryant & Station's 
Business College. His first employment after leaving business college was in 
the drug house of Smith & Townle}', of Newark, where he spent one year, after 
which he entered the employ of R. Hoe & Co.. printing press manufacturers 
of New York Cit}% where he continued for a year and a half. In June. 1879, 
he became connected with the India Rubber Comb Company of Xos. 9-11-13 
Mercer street, New York, of which company he is now cashier and a director. 
The India Rubber Comb Company is an important house, and was the original 
holder and owner of the Goodyear patent for the manufacture of hard rubber 
goods, and is the largest concern in the world manufacturing these goods. 

Mr. Dodd was married Decemlier 3, 1879, to Sarah A., the daughter of 
John and Phebe A. (Higgins) .\ckernian, the former of English and the latter 
of Holland-Dutch ancestry. Mrs. Dodd was born in Orange, New Jersey. 
To Mr, and Mrs. Dodd the following children have been born: Howard A., 
born August 28, 1880; Seymour L., born November 10, 1884; Mabel D., born 
March 2^. 1888: Sidney R., born May 17, 1890; Estelle H.,- born January 10, 
1893, and Etta D., born October 17, 1896. 

Mr. Dodd is a member of the New England Society, of Orange Council, 
No. 975, Royal Arcanum, of East Orange Republican Club, and of the East 
Orange Improvement Society. He is also a member of the North Orange 
Baptist Church. 



JOHN FRANCIS CAHILL. 



Among those whose abilities class them with the leading lawyers of Essex 
county. New Jersey, is the gentleman who at the bar has gained a foremost 
place by reason of his force in argument, his logical deductions, his familiarity 
with the principles of law and his devotion to his client's interests. A native 
of Newark, New Jersev, where he has passed his entire life. John Francis Ca- 
hill was born in Newark, May 22, 1866. His father. John J. Cahill. a native 
of Ireland, emigrated to the New ^^'orld with his parents, while he was yet an 
infant in arms, and became a resident of Newark, where he still resides. The 
mother of our subject was, before her marriage. .\nne King. She also came 
to the United States in infancy, where she was married and reared her fanuly 
of eight children. 

The subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth, and m youth 
attended the parochial and private schools until his twelfth year, at which ten- 
der age he assumed the responsibilit\- of providing for himself. He engaged 
in various pursuits until 1890, when he realized his most earnest desire to study 
law bv entering the law office of Bried & Titus. This undertaking was not 
met with without obstacle, as at the time he began to read law he was employed 
in the Newark post office as superintendent of night clerks, having secured 
the appointment to this position in 1887. but his determination to master the 



500 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

profe5ii^n was so gnat tliat ho (k-votcd liis nights to work ami his days to 
study. 

After reathng law for two years under rhc able preceptorage of Dried & 
Titus, lie entered the office of Sanniel T. McDonald, who became his preceptor 
for one year. He finisheil his course with .\aron (1. Sayre. Esq., and was ad- 
mitted to the bar of New Jersey in Xovember, 1896, since which time he had 
followed his jirofcssion in Newark, and has built up a large and lucrative prac- 
tice, which is the best proof of his ability. 

In December. 1887. he was united in marriage to Miss Morencc E. Wood- 
ruff, daughter of Alexander Stewart Woodruff, of Mendhani. Xew Jersey. Mrs. 
Cahill is a descendant of the old pioneer WoodrufT family, who were among the 
first settlers of Xew Jersey, and ])artici]iated in the Revolutionary War. In 
politics Mr. Cahill is an active 'Democrat. 



J. CHARLTON McCURDY, 

One of the foremost furniture dealers of Newark, Xew Jersey, was born 
in Xewark, March 28th, 1864. and comes of Scotch and Irish an- 
tecedents. His father, Robert McCurdy. was born in Scotland in 1818. came 
to America in 1848. locating at Xewark, where he followed the business of con- 
tractor. Early a Scotch Presbyterian, he later became a member of the Belle- 
ville .Avenue Congregational church, Xewark, dying there in 1892. His 
mother, Eliza .\. Arbuthnot, was born in Xewark. both her jiarents lieing na- 
tives of the north of Ireland. 

Mr. McCurdy was educated in the Xewark public schools, and at the Xew 
Jersey Business College. Closing his school career at the age of fifteen, he 
first found employment in the office of a silk mill. Rapidly mastering the busi- 
ness at twenty, he became assistant su])erintendent of a silk mill at .'>pringfield, 
.Massachusetts. He subsequently became a salesman, selling silk t)n the road, 
and later, having now gained a practical knowledge of the business, engaged 
in the dry goods and silk business at Xo. 2"/ I'elleville avenue, Xewark, continu- 
ing in the business until 1889. In the meantime he had o])erated for a brief 
])eriod an excelsior mill. 

In 1886 Mr. McCurdy founded the enterprise in which he has since 
achieved uninterrupted and ])ronounced success. Commencing in May of that 
year, as a sniall dealer in mattresses and bedding, at Xo 548 liroad street, he 
has, by his energy and keen business foresight built up his i)resent 
business at ""-']'/<) Broad street, which occupies the entire building and com- 
prises six floors that contain twenty-eight thousand s<|uare feet, and 
keeps busy tliirty employees. The success of Mr. McCurdy "s venture has been 
I'le result of inillagging jierseverance and the shrewdest business sagacity. His 
first objective jjoint was to secure a suitable location in which to carry forward 
t'le entcr])rises he had in view. He was for one year at 548 Broad: then three 
years at 569 iiroad. when he purchased the property at 5«>3 I>road. which he 
ftill owns. Coming into possession of this property he, for a period, operated 
■"v> places of business. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 501 

Mr. AlcCurdy now began to enlarge the scope of his business. In 1892 
he added to his stock of mattresses and bedding a line of iron bedsteads. In 
1894 he added chamber and dining-room furniture, and in 1896 he built a man- 
ufacturing plant twenty-seven by one hundred feet, including storehouse and 
stables, at No. 53 Plane street. This structure, comprising four stories and 
basement, was ec]uipped with everj' modern improvement, and now giving ad- 
ditional room in his Broad street store, enabled him to supplement his stock 
with a general line of furniture. In the spring of 1898, by further crowding 
his space, he put in a full line of carpets, and by judicious advertising increased 
his business fifty per cent. This phenomenal increase in the magnitude of his 
operations rendered more commodious cjuarters imperative, and in September 
of the same year Mr. McCurdy removed to his present establishment, ^TJ-JT^ 
Broad street, where his operations now assume a proportion which place him 
among the most active and progressive business men of Newark. 

^\r. McCurdy is a member of the Newark Athletic and Republican clubs; 
he is also a member of the Newark Board of Trade, and is a communicant of the 
Belleville Avenue Congregational church. His wife is Clara P., daughter of 
Gasper D. Schubarth. 



JOSEPH COULT 



Was born in Frankfort, Sussex county. New Jersey, May 2Sth, 1834. He is 
descended from an old English family which settled in Connecticut in the early 
part of the seventeenth century. It was not until about the middle of the eigh- 
teenth century that any of the Coult family removed to New Jersey. In Sussex 
countv thev first settled and here the father of the subject of our sketch acquired 
land and became a successful farmer and an influential citizen. Joseph, the 
youngest of a family of ten children, enjoyed, like the others, the advantage of 
education. He received a thorough preparation for a college course, but after 
much delay in entering thereupon, it was finally abandoned. .\11 the inducements 
held out to him to devote himself to mercantile pursuits were of no avail, for his 
habits of study had become fixed, and he determined to study law. Accordingly, 
in 1858, he became a student in the office of Thomas N. McCarter, Esq.. then 
a young lawyer at Newton, Sussex county. Subsequently he entered the law 
school at Albany, New York, and having thence graduated, he was admitted 
into the courts of New York state, and began the practice o{ law in the City of 
New York. In 1861 he was admitted as an attorne.\-at-la\y in .\'ew Jersey, 
and at once opened an office at Newton, in his native county, where he con- 
tinued to practice with great success during a i)eriod of fifteen years. It was 
in 1874 that he removed to the City of Newark. Here, for a time, he was in 
partnership with his law preceptor. Thomas X. McCarter. Esq. Subsequently 
he entered into partnership with James E. Howell. Esc|., who had been a stu- 
dent in his office while in Sussex county. Thus was formed the law firm of 
Coult & Howell, now one of the oldest, best known and most successful in 

the State. 

Mr. Coult was Prosecutor of the Pleas in Sussex county, and from 1^84 



502 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



to 1892 licl<l tlic office of City Counsel of the City of Newark. It was due very 
much to his efforts that the project of securing a new water supply for the City 
of Newark was accomplished. In jjolitics Mr. Coult is a Republican, and has 
been commissioned many times to represent the party at impcjrtant conven- 
ventions, state and national. He was a delegate to the convention at Phila- 
deljihia at which Lincoln was nominated for a second term; to the convention 




JOSEPH COULT. 



at Philadelphia which nominated ( ieneral (irant, and at the convention at Cin- 
cinnati which resulted in the nomination of Rutherford B. Hayes. 

Mr. Coult enjoys to a high degree the esteem of the bar, who generally 
place him among the most sagacious lawyers of the State. Of late years he 
has often been called upon to act as comisel l)y ])romiiH'nt lawyers, who recog- 
nize his special ])owers. 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 503 

REV. JOHN R. FISHER 

Was born in Cambridge, Washing-ton county. New York, and is the son of 
Garritt Wendell and Eunice (Sherman) Fisher. The ancestry of our subject 
can be traced back to those of the name who figured most prominently in the 
families of our early history. C)n the maternal side the Rev. John R. Fisher 
is in the eleventh generation from Richard U'arren, who landed in the "May- 
flower" at Plymouth Rock with the expedition in 1620. The mother of our 
subject was a direct descendant of Edmund Sherman, a brother of Roger Sher- 
man, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The great- 
grandmother of Mr. Fisher, whose family name was Delano, was a sister of the 
great-grandmother of General Ulysses S. Grant. 

John R. Fisher received his education at the Cambridge, Washington 
Academy, Williams College and Princeton Theological Seminary. Prior to 
his entrance into the ministry he engaged in teaching. His last engagement 
in this connection was as principal of the Putnam (New York) Academy. 

His first call was to the pastorate of the Hebron United Presbyterian 
church, in Hebron, New York, where he was installed pastor in June, 1866. 
He remained in this pastorate for aliout eight years, when he responded to a 
call from the Second Presbyterian church of Jersey City, wliich charge he 
assimied and successfully maintained for ten years, at the expiration of which 
time he accepted the pastorate of the First Presbyterian church of South 
Orange, New Jersey, where his zealous labors were highly appreciated and much 
good was accomplished for God and man. for a period of ten years. 

He resigned his charge of the I'irst Presbyterian church of South ( )ra.nge 
with a view to travel, but was induced to abandon this idea and assume the 
office of Associate Secretary of the New York Sabbath Committee, where for 
five years he labored zealously and effectually in the interests of religion. 

During his connection as .\ssociate Secretary of the New York -Sabbath 
Committee, the pulpit of the Brick Presbyterian church of East Orange became 
vacant, owing to the ill health of its pastor, the Rev. Henry F. Hickok, D. D., 
who was compelled to give up his charge for a period of six months in order to 
recuperate, and during this time our subject officiated as pastor. He has also 
filled vacancies that occurred in the pulpits of the Second Presbyterian church 
and the Fifth Avenue Presb.\terian church of Newark, and the First Presbyte- 
rian church of Asbury Park. New Jersey, while the selection of pastors for 
these churches was being made. He is at present su])crinten(ling the work of 
the Bruce Street Presl)yterian church of Newark. 

Mr. Fisher has published several pamphlets and a book of travels, entitled, 
"Camping in the Rocky Mountains," and is a fref|uent contributor fo both the 
secular and religious press. 

He holds membership in the New York Presbyterian Union, the Quil Club 
of New York, the Presbyterian Union of Newark, and is secretary of the Kappa 
Chi Club of Newark, and for more than fifteen years has served as treasurer 
of the Pastor's Association of New York and vicinity. He is a member of the 
Presbytery of Newark, and is chairman of the Standing Committee on \'acant 
Churches and Unemploved Alinistcrs in the Synod of New Jersey, and also of 
the Presbvterv of Morris and Orange. He is a mcnilier of the Executive Com- 



504 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

mittee of the Alumni Association of Princeton Theological Seminary, and has 
frequently represented his Presbytery as Commissioner to the General Assem- 
bly of the Presbyterian church. 

In June, 1863, Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to .Miss Laura E., daugh- 
ter of Luther and Philinda (Mason) Joy of Newark, a lineal descendant of 
Thomas Joy, of Boston. They have had four children: William Joy Fisher and 
Florence Joy Fisher, who died in infancy; ^laud Elizabeth Fisher, now Mrs. 
William Day Downs, of Denver, Colorado, and John Edmund Msher, of 
Newark. 



HON. JAMES PARKER, 



Of Perth Amboy, in Middlesex county, was the son of James Parker of the 
same place; a citizen of high distinction before and after the Revolution of 1776, 
and came from a family prominent in New Jersey from its earliest settlement. 

His son, James Parker, the subject of this sketch, was born March i, 1776, 
and died April i, i860. He was a man of great ability and public note. He 
was graduated in Columbia College, New York, in 1793, second in his class. 
The death of his father called him, at twenty-one .years of age, to take his place 
as the virtual head of his family. The large landed interests he had to manage 
compelled him to acquire an intimate knowledge of law, for which his sagacious 
mind largely fitted him, and this caused him to be regarded generally as a law- 
yer of eminence, though, in fact, he never practiced the profession. He en- 
tered public life in 1806, when thirty years old, by becoming a member of As- 
sembly. He was re-elected eight successive years; after one year's interval, 
four years more, and again in 1827-28. He was a leader in the Legislature and 
in the State. 

He was among the originators, if not himself leader, in measures for the 
prohibition of the domestic slave trade, which the gradual abolition of slavery 
actually encouraged, by leading owners to anticipate the period and export 
their slaves to other states. Both as a member of the Legislature, which caused 
the passage of efficient laws, and as foreman of the Aliddlesex Grand Jury, in 
punishing offenders, he did much to protect the negro and protect the State from 
disgrace. 

He was one of the originators of the Delaware and Raritan Canal. He 
entered the Legislature in 1827 in order to carry through that enterprise, and 
succeeded. He was a director of that company until his death. Mr. Parker 
was thrice "appointed a commissioner to settle the boundary between New Jer- 
sey and New York; one, as early as 1806, when but thirty years old; again 
in 1827; his colleagues being John Rutherford, Richard Stockton, Theodore 
Frelinghuysen and L. Q. C. Elmer. 

.Vnd in all these commissions Mr. Parker was the leading actor. The 
return of Federalist to influence, which distinguished the nomination of Gen- 
eral Jackson, brought Mr. Parker again into national politics. He was an elector 
in 1824, and gave his vote for Jackson. In 1829 General Jackson appomted 
Iiim collector of Perth .Amboy. In 1832 and again in 1834, he was elected, by 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 



505 



general ticket, a member of the House of Representatives. He served with 
distinction, winning the cognomen of Honest James Parker, distinguishing 
himself as champion of the right of petition and as a guardian of the finances 
of the Union. Mr. Parker was the trustee of Princeton College from 1825 to 
1829, and of Rutgers during a much longer period. He was Mayor of Perth 
Amboy for many years, and till the very end of his life was useful and public- 
spirited. After leaving Congress and until his death, he was first a Whig and 




HON. JAMES PARKER. 



then a Republican, a stanch supporter of the Union and of emancipation. He 
died April I, 1868. He had three sons, all worthy of mention among Jersey- 
men. James Parker, his eldest, died in Cincinnati in 1861, where he was dis- 
tinguished as a lawyer and a judge. William Parker, his second son, died in 
1868, not long after his father, at Aspinwall, Central America, where he had 
lived several years as superintendent of the Panama Railroad. A sketch of 
Cortlandt Parker, his third son, follows. 



5o6 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 

CORTLANDT PARKER. 

Foremost among the ablest lawyers and most eminent advocates of the 
bar of New Jersey, is Cortlandt Parker. He is the son of the late Hon. James 
Parler, of Perth Amboy, in which city he was born June 2"/. 1818. .\t the 
age of fourteen he entered Rutgers College, from which institution he was grad- 
uated with the highest honors in 1836 Having determined to enter the pro- 
fession in which he has made such enviable distinction, he studied law in New- 




CORTL.-\NDT IWRKER. 

ark with Hon, Theodore Frclinghuysen. At the September term, 1830, he was 
admitted as attorney, and three years later as a counselor-at-Iaw. He began 
at once to practice in Newark, where he has remained ever since, devoted to 
his profession in which he is still fully occupied from morn to night, apparently 
in all the vigor of life, while his early confreres, with one exception, are 
now all gone. From his first apiiearance at the bar up to the present day. Mr. 
Parker, as a lawyer, has met uninterru])te(l success. Thorough knowledge of 
the law and familiarity with everything that cnuld adorn as well as strengthen 
him as a lawyer, were always foremost in his tlunights, and thus his qualities as 
an orator and advocate and a jurist are the legitimate issue of well trained and 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 507 

■well nurtured ]jo\vers directed Ijy a single purpose. Public office' was never 
ught by him, and he never held but one, that of Prosecutor of the Pleas of 
Essex county, New Jersey, upon which he entered in 1857, and from which he 
retired in 1867 with distinguished repute as an efficient, conscientious, fearless 
and upright officer. Though he never held any other office, it was not for the 
lack of opportunity. In 1857 he was named by the Legislature for the office 
of Chancellor, and twice he was prominently named as Attorney-General of the 
State. He was offered also the post of Justice of the State Supreme Court. 
By Mr. Secretary Fish and President Grant he was tendered a judgeship on the 
bench for the settlement of the Alabama claims. All these positions he de- 
clined. President Hayes tendered to him the mission to Russia, and President 
Arthur that to Vienna. These offers he also declined, and at a later period 
declined the nomination to Congress made in opposition to his wishes bv a 
Re])ublican convention. His legal knowledge and experience were, how- 
ever, never withheld from the State, when, upon im])ortant occasions they were 
demanded. 

The difficult task of revising the laws of the State was assigned to him 
jointly with Chief Justice Beasley and Justice Depue, by the Legislature, and 
performed to the satisfaction of the courts and the people. He served also as 
a commissioner to settle the disputed boundary lines between New Jersey and 
Delaware. To him is the State mainly indebted for the passage of the General 
Railroad Law, which has been the means of ridding it of its most abundant 
source of corruption. 

The limits of the sketch do not permit of an account of Air. Parker's career 
as a lawyer. It has extended over half a century and still continues to be run 
with nearly all its youthful vigor. A mere list of the important cases in 
which he has been engaged would cover many times the space here occupied 
in speaking of him. His scholarly attainments and literary labors have won 
for him the degree of LL. D. from his alma mater. Rutgers College, as well as 
from the College of New Jersey. 

He is the author of many orations and addresses which may be found in 
the leading libraries of the countrv. 



HK196-7a 



ip-^. 



'^.. 






t-> [• 



\. 


















,*^ . o • • 







^ c*^ »rf- 





































>4 



-^--c 















. ,. .^«.,.%/ 

v-^^ •J^', 



-."•v1< 






^' 



^°-^^. 



V 






% 






''<^ A- 



. • • "- 






^ - JO 



<*' 



,<■ 




" p- 



^^^^-""l* ^f 



^.^ :WM: "^^.^^ ^/(^Sfc %.^ :) 






1:, kP 








^^ /.^^.?.:^ ^ ^ .? 









,0^ ■■■-:■% 



^* 



/\^^«!^ 






-^ 0.0-0 -^ 

'■■ /'■^./■m-, /\ ■•>-»■• y\ 






°o 



^°-n*.. 



■4 o 
o * « « ' (^ ^^ 






^* 

















■«- 





^ * Jf 



o 













<*' 























( O, Jj" ^ 

' --'Km-. %<^' :■■ \/ ■• 

.. /^ -Mm: /% V 





V:^.5^ '^ MANCHESTER. 










<>^ 



V v»V.'. c> 



'bt." 



■^..<^ ;.^ 



